When it comes to immigrant integration – naturalization, participation in civic life and economic self-sufficiency – English proficiency is a must. And while the inability to speak English leads directly to poverty for many in the Asian American community – 60 percent of which is foreign born – there is no national voice on this issue.
This is why the
ELL program is so important. Through a concerted, comprehensive public education and advocacy campaign,
ELL will help Asians and others access the English language programs they so desperately need so that they, too, can realize their goal of being a part of the American dream.
In 2006, AAJC brought together key stakeholders from major advocacy groups, as well as those from government associations, labor, religious and business sectors to identify needed policy changes and approaches to implement adult literacy programs and thereby promote immigrant integration. As a result of this convening, we have recently produced a groundbreaking report,
Adult Literacy Education in Immigrant Communities: Identifying Policy and Program Priorities for Helping Newcomers Learn English, highlighting priorities for strengthening adult ELL programs nationwide.
In 2008, AAJC hosted a follow-up convening titled, “Expanding Pathways to Learning for Limited English Proficient Adults” that built upon the discussions from the 2006 convening. Discussions at this follow-up convening centered around: 1) highlighting new research and developing a research agenda for the field, 2) advancing ELL through use of technology, 3) advancing ELL through use of communications and messaging, and 4) advancing ELL through advocacy.