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U.S.ENGLISH has been keenly aware of public opinion in Iowa for many years and we are not surprised by recent poll results. We conducted our own poll in Iowa five years ago, and found that 82 percent of those surveyed wanted an Official English law. We have been working with and educating state legislators since that time on the importance of a common language - economically, academically and socially. What we find astonishing about this most recent poll, however, is that Iowans have yet to see an Official English law even though majorities have been in favor of one for years.

An Official English law would not prevent anyone from speaking languages other than English - it would only require the state government to conduct their business in English. The law would recognize that fluency in English is necessary for full integration into the American culture. Common sense exceptions would be included such as provisions for health and safety information, law enforcement and tourism.

Language enriches life - it allows us to tell others about our experiences, our impressions, and our deeply held beliefs. Effective communication is the cornerstone on which any civil society is built, and a common language is what unites that society and empowers its people.

Whether living in Iowa or in any other state within this great nation we share, a firm grasp of English enhances our mobility, betters our chances to improve our lives by finding better jobs, getting an education, and knowing our legal rights and limitations. As an immigrant from Chile, I know from personal experience that understanding English is the key to unlocking opportunity and realizing the American Dream. English has the power to put everyone on the same level playing field, allowing equal opportunity for success.

This is especially important for Iowa as the state continues to experience a profound growth of its immigrant population. While the majority of the state remains white (94 percent), Iowa's immigrant population has doubled in the past ten years, leaving many communities unprepared to serve increasing numbers of non-English-speaking residents.

Enjoying the support of some 20,000 Hawkeye members from around Iowa, U.S.ENGLISH will continue to work closely with state legislators to ensure passage of a strong, common sense Official English law. We worked closely with State Senator Steve King last year when he introduced Official English Language legislation, and helped him win a majority vote in the Senate. We urge Iowa's legislators to listen to the voice of their citizens and pass Official English into law this legislative session.

Our common language, English, has the power to divide or unite us, and reflects one of the founding principles of our country - E Pluribus Unum - out of many, one. As the world watches to see what the United States stands for, isn't it time we embrace and empower all of our citizens by giving them the tools they need to succeed? To do less is simply un-American.

U.S.ENGLISH is the nation's oldest, largest citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S.ENGLISH now has more than 1.5 million members nationwide.