U.S. English believes that the passage of English as the official language will help to expand opportunities for immigrants to learn and speak English, the single greatest empowering tool that immigrants must have to succeed. Currently, U.S. English is working with members of the House of Representatives and Senate to help pass official English legislation in the 107th Congress. In 1996 U.S. English was instrumental in helping to pass "The Bill Emerson English Language Empowerment Act of 1996" in the House of Representatives. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 259-169, with 36 Democrats joining Republicans in this historic vote. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to act on the bill before the session was over. On the state level, 26 states have English as their official language and several more are considering similar legislation. In the last four years, Alaska, Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming and Missouri have enacted some form of official English legislation with the help of U.S. English. .
English First is based in Springfield, Virginia--just outside the Washington, D.C. Beltway. This location allows English First easy access to Congress to advance their lobbying goals. English First's aggressive lobbying staff is relied on by Members of Congress for information and assistance. The were the only pro-English group to testify against bilingual ballots in 1992 and the only pro-English group to lead the fight against bilingual education in 1994. Over 150,000 concerned Americans have joined English First. They believe this nation of immigrants must be able to talk to each other. They believe that the English language unites America. They are tired of seeing the government use their tax money to divide Americans on the basis of language or ancestry.
Mr. Mauro L. Mujica the chairman of U.S. English strongly supports and suggests passing English-only law and sees it as a necessity.
