Arizona Legislature Sends Official English Bill to Governor’s Desk

Statement by U.S. English, Inc. Chairman Mauro E . Mujica

“As legislation that unites a diverse state, official English deserves Gov. Napolitano’s wholehearted support. Measures widely supported by both American-born and foreign-born residents should be embraced, not sidelined by the influence of a few narrow-minded interest groups.

“English remains the key tool for full participation in American life. Sadly, more than 500,000 Arizonans struggle because they are not proficient in English, unable to obtain better jobs, help their children with homework, or speak with their neighbors. This legislation would create a long-awaited language policy to bring together all Grand Canyon State residents on the road to English fluency.

“If Gov. Napolitano has any questions about the effect of this legislation, she should look at the shining legacy of the common language policy Arizonans enacted for their schools. Five years after Arizona residents ousted bilingual education programs in favor of those that increased the amount of English spoken in the classroom, the results of this decision have been outstanding. Last summer, the state announced that students enrolled in English immersion classes outperformed students enrolled in bilingual programs at all grade levels, with the gap widening among older students.

“Adopting a common language policy for the schools achieved tremendous benefits, without any of the gloomy results forecast by opponents. Students are learning English while exploring other foreign languages and maintaining cultural celebrations. Through the focus on English instruction, these students have been given the tools that will make them the newest generation of successful immigrants.

“Adapting this effective common language policy to the entire state is the next logical step. Arizona should never become an English-only state, but it also should never become an English-optional state. Signing official English legislation into law would uphold that important American value.