U.S. English Urges Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum to Call For English Language Requirement in Discussion of Puerto Rico Statehood

U.S. English Urges Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum to Call for English Language Requirement In Discussion of Puerto Rico Statehood

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica this week contacted former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, calling for the two Republican Presidential candidates to demand an English language requirement should Puerto Ricans elect statehood this coming November.

Expected to make appearances in Puerto Rico this week, Romney and Santorum have not yet spoken out in support of requiring English as an official language in order for Puerto Rico to be granted statehood status. Romney has previously expressed support for statehood, should Puerto Ricans favor that in an upcoming plebiscite.

“Over 95 percent of Puerto Rico’s population speaks Spanish, and less than 20 percent of Puerto Ricans are proficient in English,” U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica said. “Retaining a commonwealth status allows the Puerto Rican people to preserve their own language and culture while still experiencing the benefits that a close relationship with the United States brings. But the English language is an essential part of being American. Should the Puerto Rican people choose to become a state, they must consent to becoming a primarily English speaking state. I urge Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and other presidential candidates to make clear that English is the common thread uniting all Americans and vocalize their support for this important requirement.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: To see the letters sent to Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, on behalf of U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica, please click here. For a background briefing on the future of Puerto Rico and the United States, please click here.