rants contributes to racial tension and segregation. One look at the city of Chicago is a prime example of this situation. Many different cultures are isolated within the city because they cannot communicate with each other. Not having an official language encourages these concentrations of ethnic groups to stick together and not integrate themselves into society. Miscommunication among the groups generates animosity and competition for resources. This in turn alienates the different races from each other (Schlesinger). Mandating one common language would unite these ethnic communities and allow them to communicate freely with each other and with the rest of society. Winston Churchill once said, “A common language is one of the nation’s most priceless inheritances” (Reagan). Currently there are organizations that share Churchill’s vision: making English the official language of the United States. One of these organizations is U.S. English, Inc. Its members aim to make English the official language in order to give immigrants an opportunity to learn the English language (“U.S. English” 1). This could lead to greater success for the newcomers to the country. By learning English, immigrants will be acquiring an important tool they can use to get a better education and, as a result, a better job. It will encourage immigrants to participate in the democratic operations of the United States. They will be able to follow elections more easily if they know English, as well as understanding laws more clearly. They will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility in society and to be more successful. The argument for an official language has been ongoing for many years. Senator S.I. Hayakawa introduced an English language amendment to Congress in 1981. His amendment would make English the official language and overrule any act or law requiring the use of any other language. According to Jon Alter, Hayaka...
