Immigrants living in area strive to embrace English as the national language

Another story about how much immigrants want to learn English. They know it is the best way to succeed here. DP

By Terry L. Jones

The Shreveport Times : The simple communication skills it takes to lead an average American life can be a task larger than life for some immigrants living in the area who may soon be forced to recognize English as their national language if U.S. lawmakers, and President Bush, have their say.

On May 25, in a 62-36 vote, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill that would declare English as the national language -- a move that has national immigration law officials perturbed, and local non-English speaking immigrants unfazed.

"There's a misconception that immigrants in this country don't want to learn English," said Josh Bernstein, director of federal policy for the National Immigration Law Center.

"For (the government) to think that immigrants devalue English is not true because they are at a disadvantage," Bernstein said.

Local people enrolled in English as a second language classes at the Bossier Learning Center agree.

Nestled between the 600 blocks of Ogilvie and Coleman streets along Monroe, the center's ESL teachers and program director are trying to mold area immigrants into the Americans of tomorrow.

"We run about 200 students a year here," said Jerry Allen, director of the Adult Education Program. "Some voluntary, some the courts send here."
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