English-only bills would move state backward

Editorial
Published: April 28, 2008

Two illegal immigration-related bills (one that would make English the official language of the state, the other requiring all drivers license tests be given in English) were delayed Thursday morning in the Alabama Senate.

And that’s a good thing. Not only are these bills awfully closed-minded, but they are pretty much dead for this Legislative session.

Alabama doesn’t need to become the first state to alienate large segments of immigrants, many of whom are legal state residents.

We need to bring people together, not continue a path of discrimination reminiscent of the state’s sorry history.

It’s one thing to make English the official language, but it’s another to have English as the only language. Figuratively, English is the official language of Alabama because it’s predominantly the one spoken by its citizens.

But making English the only one recognized by the government and the one be used on official documents and be used to “participate in all programs, benefits and opportunities, including employment” is very unwelcoming.

Similar moves in other states have been shot down by the courts. What good would it do mire our state in such a protracted battle? What ills will be fixed? Such a bill would make it more difficult for legal immigrants to assimilate and makes Alabama a much less inviting place to live and try to raise a family.

Alabama doesn’t need another black eye. We’ve already got a bad reputation, though we try to claim we’ve risen from those ashes and become progressive. Such closed-minded legislation proves we haven’t come as far as we’ve claimed.

This legislation simply goes further to perpetuate the negative stereotypes of racism Alabama has attempted to remedy.

It’s another step backward when we’re trying to make steps forward.

This is Sweet Home Alabama, right?