Despite
claims by anti-immigrant groups that new immigrants do not want to learn
English, all evidence shows that there are millions of immigrants literally
begging to learn English, only to find insufficient classrooms teaching in
their communities. In Los
Angeles, for example, 50,000 students remain on
waiting lists for English language classes, even though schools teaching ESL
run 24 hours a day.
Many
business leaders recognize that problem and want better language training
programs, diverging sharply from anti-immigrant groups wanting to deny such
help. A number of states have proposed
directed funding to help new immigrants learn English and integrate more easily
into their communities:
- Illinois's SB
1446,
also known as the "We Want to Learn English Initiative," was enacted
in 2007. It requires the Illinois
Community College Board to administer a program for lawful immigrants and
refugees to learn English and move towards becoming full members of
American society. The initiative provides for an annual budget of $25
million, with no less than half of the funds appropriated for the
Initiative being disbursed through community-based, not-for-profit
organizations, immigrant social service organizations, faith-based
organizations, and on-site job training programs.
- Minnesota's HF 979 / SF 923 in 2007 increased
funding for affordable and accessible adult English language
instruction.
- New York's proposed A2289 would establish a
program to provide resources to community-based organizations to
facilitate adult English and civics instruction, along with assistance
with the citizenship process.
See
also:
