English Only Laws

There seems to be a lot talk these days about English Only Laws. English Only laws vary. Some states simply declare English as the official language of the state. Other state and local edicts limit or prohibit government's use of non-English language assistance and services. Some restrict bilingual education programs, prohibit multilingual ballots, or forbid non-English government services such services as courtroom translation or multilingual emergency police lines.

So far sixteen States have adopted English only laws. Some versions of the English Language Amendment would void almost all state and federal laws that require the government to provide services in languages other than English. The services affected would include health, education and social welfare services, job training, translation assistance to crime victims and witnesses in court and administrative proceedings; voting assistance and ballots, drivers' licensing exams, and AIDS prevention education.

It is estima...