U.S.English Testifies In Annapolis For Official English Legislation

In Maryland there are approximately 116 languages spoken other than English. This measure will help ensure that citizens can communicate in a common language. Both House Bills do not dictate anyone’s personal language choice, but put the state’s government behind the proposition that every immigrant should learn English.

Americans are overwhelmingly in support of official English legislation, as evidenced by a recent Zogby poll which found that 82 percent of likely voters support making English the official language of the United States. The Maryland legislature has responded by passing legislation twice in the 1990s, only to have the result vetoed by the governor.

Both House Bills call for the government to conduct official business in English and ensure that the counties do not have an obligation to provide foreign language services. The House Bills take into account numerous common sense exceptions to ensure the constitutional rights for all Marylanders. Public health and safety information, law enforcement and courtroom translation would all be exempted from the law. The legislation expressly permits the use of non-English languages when necessary to comply with federal law.

“Only by giving people a common language can we ensure that everyone has an equal chance to achieve their dreams in American society,” said Mauro Mujica, the Chairman for U.S. English, Inc. “As an immigrant I have had the first-hand opportunity to observe the positive impact and empowerment that result from immigrants learning English, the common language of the United States.”