The referendum ballot question presented to voters was “Shall paragraph B of Section 101 of the City of Allentown Home Rule Charter be removed from the Charter?” 6,472 Allentown voters voted against the measure and for Official English compared to “over 3,000” in favor, per reporting from The Morning Call.

The law’s language is simple, stating that “English shall be the official language of the City of Allentown and the language in which City business shall be conducted, unless otherwise required by applicable state and / or federal law or regulation.”

In short Allentown’s provision mirrors the common-sense Official English laws in 32 U.S. states and locally in assorted cities and counties, acknowledging the necessity of learning and speaking English as our country’s common and essential language while respecting all who live in our country.

The ballot referendum was sponsored by Allentown City Councilmember Ce-Ce Gerlach, who called Allentown an “international city” and questioned “…in an international city how does one have a language that is the official language?” As usual such sentiments against Official English overlook the simple reality of English as the most spoken language in the world and its settled status as the language of business, on top of overwhelming public support for Official English throughout the United States.

It is notable that among likely voters support is even greater at 76%, according to a 2020 survey commissioned by U.S. English with Pulse Opinion Research – the same field service used by Rasmussen.

Elected officials considering The English Language Unity Act during this session of Congress would do well to note these facts and diverse, broad support they indicate. Americans expect their leadership to support English as our common and unifying language in both name and practice as a key part of integrating into American society.

You can help this common sense legislation by calling the capitol switchboard at (202) -224-3121 and telling your U.S. House Representative and Senator to become a cosponsor, and to also call for a simple up or down vote.

The survey was conducted by the nationally respected Pulse Opinion Research from April 2 – 3, 2018 and questioned 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters. The poll had a typical +/- sampling error of 3% and a 95% level of confidence. U.S. English, Inc commissioned the question about Official English.

Support for Official English legislation was polled at 75% among men and 72% among women. Support also transcends the ideological divide, with 89% of Republicans and 59% of Democrats in support in addition to 74% of likely voters who identify with neither party.

The data is just as compelling among minorities and younger voters. 76% of likely voters who identified as an ethnicity other than White or Black supported Official English, in addition to 66% of young voters aged 18 – 39.

Official English legislation has always enjoyed far-reaching support among American adults, and this new polling of likely voters shows politicians at all levels of Government that the people voting them into office expect their representatives to meaningfully support English as our nation’s common and unifying language in both word and deed. Official English and the idea of English as our common language is a concept that unites all Americans.

The English Language Unity Act, legislation that would make English the official language of the United States, is still pending before the U.S. House and Senate now as H.R. 997 and S. 678. You can help this common sense legislation by calling the capitol switchboard at (202) -224-3121 and telling your U.S. House Representative and Senator to become a cosponsor and to also call for a simple up or down vote.

The Canadian government claims that the programs will work to reinforce minority language communities, increase access to French language services, and promote the country’s goal of bilingualism for all citizens.

The Canadian government officially became bilingual in 1969. The Official Languages Act was passed after legislators were informed of a decrease in the use of the French language. The Act was intended to encourage residents to obtain French language skills. However, the Act has been mostly ineffective, as French proficiency has continued to fall in the country throughout the years. The current Canadian executive administration believes that yet another increase in funds for the programs will curb the declining French proficiency.

Canada’s example raises serious questions about what the U.S. government could be spending on its own multilingual policies at a time when at least 350 languages are spoken in U.S. homes according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. population is almost ten times larger than Canada’s. Unfortunately, the United States government does not currently have a uniform system for recording the exact amount of funds allocated for multilingual services. Estimates place the total in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The United States must discontinue providing multilingual services and begin saving taxpayer dollars. They must ensure that taxpayer dollars are being allocated to important services, like the military. We must prevent the kind of wasteful government spending on multilingual services, like the ones provided in Canada. There is no better time than now for Congress to act on this issue and pass H.R. 997 and S. 678, the English Language Unity Act.

H.B. 4053 was sponsored and introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan’s 71st district for the 2017 legislative session in January, at which point it was referred to committee. In addition to Rep. Barrett, cosponsors for H.B. 4053 include Representatives Triston Cole, Aaron Miller, Gary Glenn, Lana Theis, Peter Lucido, Shane Hernandez and Lee Chatfield.

Like other Official English legislation enacted over the years, H.B. 4053 is a common sense measure meant to reinforce English as our common language and to set a standard of expectation that Government and society will do more to encourage and enable the learning of English for residents. Far from an exclusionary measure, H.B. 4053 simply makes it clear that English is the sole language that must be used and available for all Government business, official acts and public records. Clear common sense exceptions are made for consistency with all federal law, teaching in language classes, the promotion of commerce, tourism, sporting events and public events, and occasions where “public safety, health and justice” would be served by the use of a language other than English at the discretion of state and local agencies.

The complete text of H.B. 4053 can be viewed and downloaded in PDF format here.

Residents of Michigan can help make Official English in the state a reality by calling and writing their state representative directly to encourage support for H.B. 4053:

• Click here for a page that will let you let you look up your representative by district number, or with your home address.
• Click here for a quick and easy complete directory of all 110 members of the Michigan House of Representatives. Phone numbers, email addresses and links to their official websites are listed for them all.

“What we’re trying to do, it’s absolutely normal,” said Chairman Mujica. “Instead of trying to function in any one of the 350 languages that we have in this country, we want the Government to begin teaching English to immigrants and to help them assimilate.” What’s more, English as the official language remains a popular idea. “Generally, 83% of people in this country approve of the idea of having an official language,” Chairman Mujica said.

As noted by Mr. Carlson, one in five U.S. households – over 60 million – now have a foreign language spoken at home, based on the latest data from the U.S. Census. And yet, the need for English as our common and unifying language is as clear as ever. “English is the lingua franca (bridge language) of the world today,” Mr. Mujica declared. “I travel all over the world almost every month, and wherever I go I speak English.”

Chairman Mujica’s experience reflects the facts: English is increasingly recognized as the essential language of business, travel and education. In America, meanwhile, English remains a vital key to success. According to a study by the prestigious Brookings Institute nearly one in-ten working age adults in the United States are considered “limited English proficient”, and they earn 25% to 40% less than those who can speak English well.

Chairman Mujica’s complete conversation with Tucker Carlson can be seen in the video below.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today issued a renewed call for Congress to enact legislation declaring English the official language, citing a recent Fox News Latino poll that indicates Latino support for such a measure.

The poll found 79 percent of registered Latino voters saying they prefer to receive their news in English, rather than Spanish. The results held true for first, second, third and even fourth generation Latinos, who identify English as their dominant language.

“In the United States, our common language— and the language of success— is English,” Chairman Mujica said. “This new poll indicates what we have long declared: while linguistic diversity should be praised, it is to the benefit of an individual to speak English, the language of commerce and success in the United States.”

In addition, statistics from the Pew Research Center now show that 62 percent of Hispanics in the United States primarily speak English.

“For the benefit of all citizens, it is time for Congress to recognize what the American people have long supported: declaring English the official language of the United States government,” Chairman Mujica added. “Rather than continue to provide duplicative and costly translations into foreign languages, the United States government should instead encourage all residents to speak English. As this latest poll shows, no matter the background or culture of an American citizen, English serves as a uniting force. It is time for our official language policy to reflect that.”

The Fox News Latino poll, conducted by Anderson Robbins Research and Shaw & Company Research, was conducted nationwide among 803 registered Latino voters between August 7 and 10, 2016.

###

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today issued a call for support of Rep. Steve King (R-IA)’s Amendment #38 in H.R. 5485, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2017.

Rep. King’s amendment would prohibit funds from being used to enforce Executive Order 13166, which provides for federal government funding of foreign language translations. Signed into law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, the Executive Order was intended to provide documents and translations for limited English proficient individuals who contact federal government agencies.

“While the intent of Executive Order 13166 is honorable, providing federally funded foreign language translations is not the way to make government more accessible to our nation’s foreign language speakers,” Chairman Mujica said. “In order to fully participate in the democratic process, English proficiency is the key to success. Rather than continuing to funnel tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to foreign language translations, we should instead be creating opportunities for the nation’s limited English proficient individuals to learn the language of success in this country, for their own benefit. I encourage all Members of Congress to vote yes to Congressman King’s Amendment 38 to put an end to the costly and unnecessary federal government translations.”

The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2017 is expected to be considered this week.

###

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today praised the West Virginia State Legislature and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin for their support of HB 3019, a bill that will now require that all official state government business to be conducted in English.

HB 3019 enjoyed widespread support throughout the state, easily passing the House with a 95 – 4 vote and the Senate with a 27 – 6 vote. Governor Tomblin signed the bill into law on Friday, making West Virginia the 32nd state to recognize the unifying role of English as the official language.

“Governor Tomblin and the West Virginia State Legislature have taken a significant step in ensuring that state residents are unified through English as the common, shared language,” Chairman Mujica said. “This common sense law requires that all official government business be conducted in English. In turn, this sends the message to all residents that learning English is essential for success in the Mountain State. The 14,000 limited English proficient individuals residing in West Virginia will find that with an added incentive to learn English, the doors to social and economic success will open to them. I commend Governor Tomblin, State Delegate Woody Ireland and the West Virginia State Legislature for their diligence in passing this widely supported and forward thinking law.”

U.S.English continues to advocate for Official English on both the state and federal levels, with the Official English Unity Act (HR 997 and S 678) pending in Congress and legislation to declare English the official language currently being considered in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Michigan.

###