Immigrants' children grow fluent in English, study says

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-english30nov30,0,1163558.story


This article points out a sort of assimilation of immigrants into American culture, particular of the English language. Last year, a report analyzed surveys of several thousand Latino immigrants and found that 23% of adult first-generation Latinos say they can carry on a conversation very well in English, while 88% in the second generation and 94% in the third say likewise. It also showed that Mexicans are the least likely to say they speak English well, which may be because of a lower education level. As the younger generation molds with their peers in public areas, such as school, they pick up on the language and social groupings much easier. Because of this they are able to connect more with the English language and American culture more readily than their Latino roots.

Legislators Back English As the Official Language

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In 1996, the Suffolk County (of New York) Legislature, approved a bill that made English the official language of the county. The resolution was passed by a vote of 10 to 5, with 3 abstentions. This means that all county government affairs would be in English, with the exception of "911" calls and other oral communications. Rudolph W, Giuliani, then the mayor of New York City, opposed similar bills stating, ''There's no reason to pass a bill like this except, maybe, to exclude people, insult people or offend people.''

THE WEEK; Making English Official Is on the Ballot in Bogota

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In 2006, Bogota (a New Jersian borough) put the issue of making English the official language on ballot. The controversy began when there was question about the use of Spanish on a McDonald's billboard. The mayor, Steve Lonegan strongly opposed the billboard saying it was "divisive". The vote was authorized by the Council on a 4-2 vote. Mayor Lonegan cited that people weren't paying their taxes and using language as an excuse, as one of the reasons. ''I think it's both practical as well as, I believe, helps to re-establish the fact that English is the official language of this country, while maybe not by law, certainly by heritage,'' Mr. Lonegan said. It was also noted that, by federal law, the question on the ballot will appear in English and Spanish.

Supreme Court Roundup;Justices to Review Effort to Make English Official Language

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This article summarizes the pushing of a "English as the official language bill" in 1996. The Supreme Court found that the "English" amendment to Arizona's State Constitution violated the first amendment

Senate Votes to Set English as National Language

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/19/washington/19immig.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=english%20official%20language&st=cse