Backroom Legislative Maneuver Torpedoes W. Va. Official English Bill

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

“As an immigrant and an American, I am deeply saddened by the actions of West Virginia Delegate Jon Amores. It is a sorry day in politics when a single member can derail legislation supported by 80 percent of West Virginians because of his own personal beliefs.

“Although Mr. Amores is in the distinct minority, he can register his opposition by voting ‘nay’ in a roll call vote. Instead, he has chosen to shut down debate and subvert the legislative process, depriving the majority of West Virginians who support this bill of the vote they deserve.

“Through the actions of a single individual, West Virginia has put immigrants between a rock and a hard place, telling them to come and work, but refusing to give them the tools to succeed. Without English, how will newcomers get higher paying jobs, help their children with homework or continue their education?

“The statistics regarding limited English proficient individuals are staggering. A U.S. Department of Education survey found that limited English proficiency dooms workers into half the earnings of the overall population. No wonder that a 2001 Gallup survey found that 96 percent of American adults called learning English ‘essential’ or ‘important’ for immigrants coming to the United States.

“Official English has the support of the vast majority of West Virginians, including the patriotic and forward-thinking members of the Senate, the leadership of both parties, and several members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation. I pledge that we will work harder than ever to revisit this issue when the legislature returns. The actions of one individual will not deter us from bringing West Virginians together under one common language.”