There are many different organizations that are in favor of the English-Only movement. The English-Only movement is led by a multi-million dollar organization called U.S. English that has over 1.7 million members. Senator S.I. Hayawaka whom was an immigrant himself founded the organization in 1983. U.S. English has effectively lobbied for the passage of English-Only laws in eighteen states since it was founded in 1983. The goals of the members of English-Only are to make English the official language so that immigrants can learn the language. Therefore, by learning the language immigrants have a better chance at acquiring education and jobs.

English-Only supporters have many valid reasons for argument for English-Only such as a p

Researchers have found that when minority children lose their mother tongue the consequences are usually severe and extensive. In homes where parents don’t use their mother tongue language with their children the family communication may worsen. Where parents and children do not share a common language, communication is often limited to the basic necessities, preventing parents from transmitting to their children the complex set of values, beliefs, wisdom, and understanding which provides the foundation for their children’s learning and development (Wong-Filmore, 1991a).

There are many different languages that are spoken in today’s society such as German, Dutch, French, and many Native American languages. These languages have always been a part of America’s history and culture. The “English-Only” movement promotes the enactment of legislation that prohibits the use of languages other than English by government agencies and private business. There has been so much success with the English-Only movement that it has been passed in several states.

There have been many debates over the English-Only movement. According to the Washington Post on March 4, 1998 the House of Representatives defeated the English-Only amendment to Puerto Rico Plebiscite Bill. An attempt was made to designate English as the nation’s official language but it was denied by the U.S. House of Representative during deliberations on H.R. 856, a bill governing the future political status of Puerto Rico. With a vote of 238-182, the House denied an English Only amendment that was submitted by Rep. Gerald Solomon in agreement of a substitute measure, sponsored by Rep. Dan Burton. The Burton substitute would make Puerto Rico subject to federal language legislation approved at a later date and would encourage the island’s schools to foster English proficiency. Though, different from the Solomon amendment it would impose no English-Only requirements as a condition of statehood. The bill was adopted by a final vote of 209-208.

The English-Only law varies in different states. Some states have English as the “official’ language of the state. Though state and local laws bar government provisions of non-English language assistance and services. For example, some states restrict bilingual education programs, p

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