"Official English must be enacted before another four years pass"

U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica urges action in second Bush term

"On behalf of the 1.8 million members of U.S. English, Inc., I'd like to congratulate President Bush on his re-election. The President has been lauded for his campaign's effective outreach to America’s newest citizens. Now, it is time to translate his lofty campaign ideals into a policy that would make the greatest difference in the everyday lives of millions of immigrants.

"As President Bush prepares to begin a second term in office, we urge our elected leader to take steps to ensure that English remains the common language of the United States. These initiatives include increasing English language learning opportunities, reducing multilingualism at the government level, and making English the official language of our nation. Only through this concerted effort can we ensure that we remain united and strong."

H.R. 997, legislation to make English the official language of the United States is supported by a bi-partisan bloc composed of more than one-quarter of the U.S. House of Representatives. Introduced by Rep. Steve King [R-IA], the English Language Unity Act would require the United States government to conduct official business in English. Numerous common sense exceptions are included in the legislation to protect the well-being of all Americans, including public health and safety, national security, international relations, trade, tourism and commerce. To date, it has gathered the support of 108 co-sponsors, including many that represent districts with more than 20,000 limited English proficient residents.

"In this moment of celebration, let us not forget that more than 21 million Americans will be struggling with a language barrier," Mujica continued. "Conversing with non-English speakers in their native language might get their attention every four years, but assisting them toward English proficiency will pay dividends every day of their lives. With the election behind us, let us work towards a common language policy that befits our nation of immigrants that has come together as one. Official English must be enacted before another four years pass."

## U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc. (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.