Recently, there has been an argument as to whether a national language should be enforced. The default language is of course, English. Critics have made the argument that those pushing for a national language are racist, while those in favor have criticized their opponents as apologists. The argument commonly comes to the front when referring to illegal immigration.

What are the consequences of being incapable or unwilling to learn and speak English? While it is all well and good to discuss the ethnic diversity of America, and the growing number of non-English speaking populations in America, one fact is still certain and always overlooked; the control of business, education, and political power remains in the hands of those who speak English.

The U.S. Constitution is written in English, as are our laws, and more importantly our OSHA standards. This last aspect may seem extraneous at first, but consider this: those who do not speak English are commonly working in places where there is a higher risk of injury and lower standards work place safety.

Those who cannot speak English relegate themselves to serve as cheap labor, for employers that do not necessarily have their employees’ best interests at heart. It is easier to take advantage of a person who does not speak English than one who does, as this person does not have the immediate tools to educate themselves about their rights as workers.

All methods of assistance to low income workers, such as free clinics, outreach programs and social workers employ people who all speak English. The children of those who cannot speak English are at a disadvantage when entering public schools in America, where the teachers speak English. Those who have worked in outreach programs have seen the common occurrence of an immigrant’s child having to act as translator so that the family may receive basic human services. This is a complete contradiction to the experience of the European immigrants of the late 19th century. Immigrants were forced to learn English or perish, and they did, and flourished.

Those who do not speak or understand English are forced to rely on the goodwill of others to survive. This is not an argument over whether the people should be proud of their past, or even should be bilingual, but rather that they be able to speak the language that allows them to succeed in a society that speaks English as a first language.

Opinion Editor: Bryan Ray - 08/29/07