U.S. English, Inc. Chairman Responds to Maryland Language Controversy

Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of U.S.ENGLISH, Inc. issued the following statement:

The controversy over Comptroller Schaefer’s comments is a prime example of how some individuals would rather see a divided America rather than a united one.

Mr. Schaefer echoes the sentiments of hundreds of millions of Americans when he says, ‘I don’t want to adjust to another language. This is the United States.’ Germans expect their fast food workers to speak German. Japanese expect their fast food workers to speak Japanese. In the United States, we expect our fast food workers to speak English. The idea that this fact of life can be controversial runs counter to the fabric of our nation.

Limited English proficient workers are not a benign sector of the American economy. Research has shown that those who cannot understand the language in which business in conducted suffer more on-the-job injuries and present a greater safety hazard than those who can understand English. Between the potential loss of customers and the difficulty in communication, those who cannot understand English make an employer “closed for business."

Mr. Schaefer’s experience is by no means isolated. Each day, millions of Americans – doctors, police officers and common citizens - find themselves unable to communicate with their own countrymen because of linguistic barriers.

Instead of implying that this cultural friction is acceptable, we must make a nationwide commitment to reduce the drag of language difficulties. A focus on English instruction and governmental policy toward improving proficiency in English will make a difference in the lives of the newest Americans. Criticizing Mr. Schaefer’s accurate observation is not the solution.