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POLL SHOWS AMERICANS STRONGLY FAVOR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS BEFORE PUERTO RICAN STATEHOOD

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On the eve of Congressional field hearings pertaining to the future political status of Puerto Rico, U.S.ENGLISH, Inc. has released results from a scientific poll which found that Americans firmly believe if Puerto Rico desires to become the 51^st state, its people must demonstrate an unmistakable commitment to become, in fact, a true part of the United States.

The survey, commissioned by U.S.ENGLISH and conducted April 10-13, 1997, found that more than six out of ten Americans support a stipulation requiring super-majority support of at least seventy-five percent of Puerto Rican voters before statehood would be considered. This super-majority would be closer to the percentages when our last two states, Alaska (83%) and Hawaii (94%), voted to be admitted to the Union.

The poll also showed that seventy-four percent of Americans surveyed favor a requirement that Puerto Rico establish English as its sole official language prior to being allowed to become a state. In addition, seventy-one percent agreed that English should be made the language of instruction in Puerto Rican schools...again, prior to being granted statehood.

"This poll clearly shows that Americans care about the long-term unity of this nation," said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman/CEO of U.S.ENGLISH. "If Puerto Rico becomes a state without a wholehearted commitment to joining the melting pot of American culture, we risk creating our own Quebec."

The 1990 U.S. Census reported that over seventy-five per cent of Puerto Ricans could not speak English, something Mr. Mujica sees as an enormous barrier to overcome. "Puerto Rico has been associated with the United States for almost 100 years without making the transition into English. It is highly doubtful the situation is going to change dramatically overnight or even in the near term."

Legislation authorizing a status plebiscite for Puerto Rico has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate. Neither bill has moved out of committee.

This poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, Virginia and has a margin of error of ±3.46 per cent.

U.S.ENGLISH has been the chief proponent behind the enactment of official English legislation on both the federal and state levels since the founding of the organization in 1983 by the late Senator S.I. Hayakawa. With membership over 1.3 million, U.S.ENGLISH is the nation’s largest citizens’ action group committed to this cause. Currently, 23 states have enacted legislation adopting English as their common language.

Terminology from National Survey:

Q: In order for Puerto Rico to become a state, its citizens must vote on the issue. Do you believe that this issue should be required to win a MAJORITY of the votes cast for passage, or do you think it should require a SUPER-MAJORITY and win at least 75% of the vote? And, do you feel STRONGLY about this issue or NOT-SO-STRONGLY?

Q: And would you favor or oppose a requirement that in order to become a state, Puerto Rico accept English as its official language?

Q: Now, as you may know, currently the language of instruction in Puerto Rico’s school system is Spanish. Would you favor or oppose requiring that in order for Puerto Rico to become a state, English be the language of instruction in Puerto Rico’s schools? And would that be STRONGLY (favor/oppose) or just SOMEWHAT (favor/oppose)?

(Public Opinion Strategies. April 10-13, 1997. 800 Adults Nationally. MOE ±3.46%)