U.S. English Chairman Says Brookings Institution English Language Study is a Call to Action for U.S. Congress

U.S. English Chairman Says Brookings Institution English Language Study is a Call to Action for U.S. Congress

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today released the following statement in response to a Brookings Institution study showing that English proficiency improves the economic success of immigrants in the United States.

The study, “Investing in English Skills: The Limited English Proficient Workforce in U.S. Metropolitan Areas,” was written by Jill H. Wilson and was released to the public on Wednesday. It found that close to 1 in 10 working-age adults in the United States is considered limited English proficient, yet there is a clear lack of resources dedicated to English language learning programs on the local, state and federal levels. The study also found that higher levels of English proficiency correlate with higher income, stating that English proficiency can boost income by as much as 25 to 40 percent.

“This study supports what U.S. English has been advocating for many years: English proficiency is the key to success for immigrants in the United States and should be encouraged,” Chairman Mujica said. “More accountability should fall on local, federal and state governments to encourage English learning among residents and to provide opportunities for English language learning among the nation’s newcomers.”

Wilson’s study found that of 1,368 English language learning programs across the country, 72 percent had waiting lists of individuals looking to enroll in classes.

“The time for Congress to act is now,” Mujica continued. “By passing the English Language Unity Act and declaring English the official language of the United States, the federal government will be adding an incentive for the nation’s non-English speakers to learn the common language of the United States and improve their lives socially and economically. Furthermore, the savings from removing government multilingualism could be used to create additional English language learning programs in the areas where they are in highest demand. I commend Ms. Wilson and the Brookings Institution for bringing this critical issue renewed national attention and urge Congress to do its part to ensure that all Americans have an equal chance to succeed in the United States thanks to proficiency in the English language.”

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