Official English Still Overwhelmingly Popular Despite Divided Nation

Survey finds 4-in-5 Americans favor legislation to make English the official language

Despite divided opinions on oil drilling, immigration, and the war in Iraq, Americans remain strongly supportive of making English the official language of the United States, according to a new Zogby International poll released today. The survey of 1,039 likely voters found that 79.4 percent of Americans favor official English legislation, with 62 percent strongly supporting such a bill. The survey was conducted July 9-13, 2008 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. 

“At a time when some want to label us a ‘divided nation,’ it is time to focus on the things which unite us,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “The English language has long been the unifying force in a nation of many races, religions and nationalities. Americans believe that government agencies should promote these common bonds and encourage English acquisition by performing the majority of government functions in English.” 

Support for making English the official language was not limited to red states or blue states. According to the survey, more than two-thirds of Democrats and more than five-sixths of Republicans favored the measure, as did four-in-five Independents. Supporters outnumbered opponents by more than 2-to-1 in every region of the country, and also by a 2-to-1 margin among African Americans. 

Legislation to make English the official language of the United States is currently pending in both the House and Senate. In the House, Rep. Steve King has introduced H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act. The bill has the support of more than 150 bi-partisan co-sponsors and is currently pending in House committee. In the Senate, Sen. James Inhofe has introduced S. 1335, the S.I. Hayakawa Official Language Act. In both 2006 and 2007, the Senate passed amendments making English the national language of the United States, but the measures were not brought up for a final vote. 

“Immigration is a hallmark of the United States, but assimilation and integration is what has allowed us to be a prosperous and productive society,” added Mujica. “Americans may have differing opinions when it comes to most bills before Congress, but these survey results indicate that official English legislation is a winning issue on both sides of the aisle.”