Arizona Voting On Official Language

Arizona lawmakers have agreed to let voters decide whether to deny more state services to illegal immigrants & whether to make English the state's official language. The 2 measures that were approved late yesterday, will be added to the November ballot.

One would bar illegal immigrants from receiving state-funded child care assistance, attending adult education classes & getting cheaper in-state tuition & financial assistance at the state's public universities & community colleges.

Supporters say the restrictions are needed to discourage illegal immigrants from setting up lives in Arizona. Opponents say it's unfair to punish children whose parents sneaked them into the country. The supporters of making English the state's official language & requiring that government functions be conducted in English say the proposal was needed to encourage the assimilation of immigrants. Opponents say the proposal wasn't so much about protecting English as it is an attack on illegal immigrants.