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Immigrant Rights Group Calls English Language Bill an “Embarrassment”

Voces de la Frontera says a bill that would make English the state’s official language would disenfranchise residents.

The group commented on De Pere Republican state Rep. Andre Jacque’s bill, which he introduced on Monday.

In a report by the Associated Press, Jacque is quoted as saying the bill would “unify the state.” He also said it would give immigrants an incentive to learn the language, thus making it easier for them to find a job.

Voces de la Frontera, an immigrant rights group, calls the bill “an embarrassment to Wisconsin and to a Republican Party trying to mend its dismal relationship with Latino voters.”

In a statement, Executive Director Christine Neumann-Ortiz says “as a nation of immigrants, different generations from all over the world have relied on multiple languages and bilingual education to successfully integrate into the fabric of this country.”

Ann-Elise is WUWM's news director.