A new policy issued on Feb. 6 stated that Florida residents will no longer be able to take driving assessments in any language other than English.
In a surprising move made by the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles during a January release, the move was stated to have been made for “necessary safety.” Going further, the change will apply to all driver’s license classifications, including oral examinations.
Speaking with brute honesty and clarity, this xenophobic act of exclusion harms the foreign part of America, including legal immigrants and citizens who have traveled here to solidify a stay in our country.
“Florida’s decision to administer driver’s license services only in English is a harmful and unnecessary barrier that will disproportionately impact immigrant communities and other Floridians with limited proficiency,” said Keisha Mulfort, the deputy director of communications for the ACLU of Florida.
To an estimated 5.4 million immigrants in Florida, what does that do for them? How does that help? If we are a country of diversity, of variety, should that not be prevalent within our laws? All this does is restrict and delay opportunities for those whose verbiage is different than the primary.
To pose another question, providing the fact that Orlando, one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country, lacks timely public transportation from public buses, and is an area for cars, how can that be given to our foreign citizens?
This is purposely leaving out opportunities for legal immigrants to enjoy vehicular transportation, and is a stain on us for that.
“We have based our development patterns on low-density, suburban sprawl – it does make it challenging for public transit to be effective. Everything is spread out – it makes it difficult to get around without a car,” said Eric Grimmer, public transportation and housing representative for Orlando.
According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up over 22 percent of the state’s population, and most likely will forever remain a top destination for foreign-born residents, considering population growth.
In a recent table provided by the official United States Census Bureau, Florida ranked third in the most populous states.
For those who may pose the argument, “well, English is the official language of the United States, so they should learn and comply,” or “it’s our country, and they are entering,” think about this. Several countries and regions have offered multilingual support for theory tests, or even interpreters to assist the non-native speakers who reside in their area.
For America, a land of opportunity for anyone, leaving that out in three different states is ridiculous and a reflection of xenophobic ideals towards the same people who fight with every inch of determination to be here as a permanent resident.
From Ireland, which has voiceovers in over 22 different languages, to Dubai, whose Roads and Transport Authority offers knowledge tests in over 11 languages, they make their environment easier to live in.
As aforementioned, we are a country of diversity and variety, with equitable opportunities and liberty for all. With this law, we are taking that away from the road systems of America and harming those who have made a sufficient and valiant effort to call this country home.
