Study: Most immigrants in L.A. illegally don't speak English well

In the past, immigrants had to learn English and they were successful, now there is not much need for some to learn and they will almost always earn a low income. - - Donna Poisl

By Cindy Chang

Nearly half of Los Angeles County's immigrants here illegally lack a high school diploma, and 60% do not speak English well, according to a study.

Nonprofits and foundations must work with the public sector to make sure there are enough English classes in the event of a mass legalization, said Maria Blanco, vice president of civic engagement at the California Community Foundation, which partially funded the paper released Tuesday by USC.

If newly legalized immigrants do not learn English, their job prospects are likely to remain limited.
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