A lot of people are trying to learn English and want to learn it. Denying them fundamental benefits and voting rights doesn't help. Kauffman sees the far-reaching effects a bill of this nature may have. Although English-only legislation has been introduced in every session for the last 20 years or so, noted Verdugo, it has always been a fringe issue that has never gotten anywhere. She added that over 20 states have some official language legislation, most of which are simple resolutions.
Proponents try to couch it as simple legislation, but it is really very dangerous.
Although an interesting issue, Verdugo believes it may get confused with the language rights issue, but she sees it more of a challenge for the educational system. Each will be debated for some time to come. Tena Jamison Lee is a writer in Arkansas and a frequent contributor to Human Rights.