Make English the Official Language

Many reports have Congress preparing to revisit the issue of immigration again this year, but the majority of the American public is calling for a stronger focus on assimilation. Fueled by an intense call by the public, and governments at the state and local level, nearly 90 members of Congress have co-sponsored H.R. 997, legislation to make English the official language of the United States.

While immigration remains a touchy and controversial subject, official English remains overwhelmingly popular. A June 2006 survey by Rasmussen Reports found that 85 percent of the American population supports making English the official language of the United States. This is a far higher percentage of support than for issues which recent Congresses have dealt with, such as supporting stem cell research, banning gay marriage, and building a border fence.

Over the last 12 months, official English legislation has passed the U.S. Senate, been considered in dozens of towns and cities, and was introduced in 20 state legislatures in 2007 alone, including Texas, Rhode Island, Nevada, Michigan and Washington. It was enacted by wide margins in a border state (Arizona) and a non-border state (Idaho).

While opinions may be divided on immigration, official English resonates with the public because Americans believe that all immigrants should be on the road to learning English.