U.S. English Chairman Calls Fox News Latino Poll a Call to Action For U.S. Official Language Policy

U.S. English Chairman Calls Fox News Latino Poll a Call to Action For U.S. Official Language Policy

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.

###