FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2001
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Contact:
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Laura Macklem
202-833-0100
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Trend Shows Iowa Immigration Will Not Be Affected By Official English Legislation
WASHINGTON DC-After listening to concerns last week in Des Moines by anti-English activists that official English will deter immigration to Iowa and hinder diversity, U.S.ENGLISH Chairman/CEO Mauro E. Mujica pointed to a nationwide trend which proves just the opposite.
"If you look at the Census 2000 results (www.census.gov/) in states with official English you will see that such legislation has not deterred immigration to those states," said Mujica. "The anti-English movement is basically saying that if immigrants know they must learn English they will not come to America, or move to official English states. That is simply not true."
The following are some Census numbers that illustrate that official English does not hinder immigration.
|
State |
Year Official English Became Effective |
Total Population Growth |
Total Hispanic Population Growth |
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|
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|
|
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Alabama |
1990 |
10% |
208% |
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Alaska |
1998 |
14% |
45% |
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Arkansas |
1987 |
14% |
337% |
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California |
1986 |
14% |
43% |
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Colorado |
1988 |
31% |
73% |
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Florida |
1988 |
24% |
70% |
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Georgia |
1986 & 1996 |
26% |
300% |
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Hawaii |
1978 |
9% |
8% |
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Illinois |
1969 |
9% |
69% |
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Indiana |
1984 |
10% |
117% |
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Kentucky |
1984 |
10% |
173% |
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Louisiana |
1811 |
6% |
16% |
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Massachusetts |
1975 |
6% |
49% |
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Mississippi |
1987 |
11% |
148% |
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Missouri |
1998 |
9% |
92% |
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Montana |
1995 |
13% |
49% |
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Nebraska |
1920 |
8% |
155% |
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New Hampshire |
1995 |
11% |
81% |
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North Carolina |
1987 |
21% |
394% |
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North Dakota |
1987 |
0.5% |
67% |
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South Carolina |
1987 |
15% |
211% |
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South Dakota |
1985 |
9% |
108% |
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Tennessee |
1984 |
17% |
278% |
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Utah |
2000 |
30% |
138% |
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Virginia |
1981 & 1996 |
14% |
106% |
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Wyoming |
1986 |
9% |
23% |
"Clearly the statement that the symbolism of official English legislation hurts immigration is unfounded. These are scare tactics from the anti-English groups who do not believe it is necessary for immigrants to learn English and assimilate," said Mujica. "Immigration will never be hindered because of official English legislation, because it doesn't require anyone to stop speaking languages other than English. However, it encourages immigrants to learn English so they can fully integrate into our society - - and as an immigrant myself I can tell you knowing English is essential to the American dream, and for the future of this country."
U.S.ENGLISH is the nation's oldest, largest 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 now has more than 1.4 million members nationwide. | 
