Official English Included in 2008 Republican Platform

As the Republican convention kicks off in Minnesota, the idea of making English the official language of the United States was highlighted in the newly unveiled 2008 Republican Platform. Calling the English Language “one sign of our unity” and “the fastest route to prosperity in America” the platform makes official English legislation a cornerstone of the effort to maintain our common values and what unites us as one nation. 

In our multiethnic nation, everyone — immigrants and native-born alike — must embrace our core values of liberty, equality, meritocracy, and respect for human dignity and the rights of women. One sign of our unity is our English language. For newcomers, it has always been the fastest route to prosperity in America. English empowers. We support English as the official language in our nation, while welcoming the ethnic diversity in the United States and the territories, including language. Immigrants should be encouraged to learn English. English is the accepted language of business, commerce, and legal proceedings, and it is essential as a unifying cultural force.