House and Senate eventually will take up a bill that would let the islanders decide. Puerto Rico has a 1902 law designating English and Spanish as the languages o1 government. Spanish is the first language of most people. But if dealings with Washington had to be conducted in Spanish instead of English. as is currently the case. the symbolism would be potent. The widespread use of the English language has been a national strength for America since the early days of the republic. Immigrants have poured into this country speaking hundreds of different languages and dialects. The predominance of a single national language. English. has brought them together.
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Immigrants