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In Case You Missed It: PA Language Policy is Long Overdue

In Case You Missed It: PA Language Policy is Long Overdue

April 15, 2014

A common language unites all residents in their diversity; the lack of a common language creates divisions. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently faced with two conflicting language bills — one that aims to create equal opportunity for all Keystone State residents, and one that aims to divide residents by the language they speak.

Official language bills are often deemed symbolic and put on the back burner by legislators. In reality, these bills are necessary to maintain a welcoming, unified and diverse culture. Thankfully, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly are taking action on this critical issue.

On one hand, State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe has introduced HB 2132, a bill that would declare English the official language of Pennsylvania. It would also prohibit funding for foreign language translations and services in all official state government functions. The passage of this bill would make Pennsylvania the 32nd state to recognize the unifying role of the English language.

It is worth noting that enacting such legislation does not limit the languages individuals can speak; rather, it adds an incentive for all Pennsylvania residents to learn the language of success — English. Doing so provides all residents with a common means of communication amidst their cultural and linguistic differences. It encourages foreign language speakers to maintain their native language but adds an incentive for them to learn English, allowing the doors of opportunity to open to them.

English speakers are more likely to have health insurance and a better, higher-paying job. When the government recognizes English as the official language, they do so with the intention of helping non-English speakers raise themselves up, socially and economically.

To those who criticize official English bills for being unwelcoming toward immigrants, facts prove otherwise. There are currently 31 states with official English laws on the books, and the rates of immigration to them have not slowed. South Carolina, for example, enacted its official English law in 1987, and has experienced a 337 percent growth of its immigrant population since 1990. Similarly, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Georgia, Virginia and Arizona all have official English laws and are all states that, according to the 2010 Census, house some of the largest immigrant populations nationwide.

Allowing English to be the common thread weaving all residents together sends the message that people of all backgrounds are welcome in Pennsylvania. With English as the state's common language, residents can communicate their diversity, sharing stories, customs and traditions with their neighbors.

On the other hand, State Rep. Angel Cruz has introduced House Resolution 666, calling on the assembly to declare Spanish the official language of Pennsylvania. He also introduced a similar resolution, encouraging the United States Congress to declare Spanish the official language of the country.

Declaring Spanish the official language of the Pennsylvania would exclude all residents except the 4 percent who speak Spanish. Rather than honor one language group or heritage above another, legislators should recognize the value of English as the state's common, unifying language. With 152 total languages spoken in the state, singling out this one small group of residents above another is exclusionary.

Recognizing an official language should not be considered an unwelcoming gesture toward any ethnic or language speaking group. Rather, it should be an attempt at creating a cohesive and unified way for residents to communicate despite their differences.

As an immigrant myself, the factor most critical to my success in the United States has been proficiency in English. It is for the good of Pennsylvania's non-English speakers — and the state economy as a whole — to enact a policy declaring English the state's official language.

[NOTE: This piece was originally published in the York Daily Record on April 11, 2014. To read the piece on the York Daily Record website, please click here.]


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