ProEnglish

ProEnglish is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1994 that advocates for making English the official language of the United States. The organization emerged from the English-only movement and was originally known as English Language Advocates. It was established by John Tanton, a prominent figure in the anti-immigration movement, together with several associates from the organization U.S. English, from which Tanton had resigned following controversy over racially charged memos.

Founding and Leadership

ProEnglish was initially based in Arlington, Virginia, sharing office space with other anti-immigration groups before relocating to Washington, D.C. Its first chair was Robert D. Park, followed by Rosalie Pedalino Porter. The organization has seen various executive directors, including K.C. McAlpin, Robert "Bob" Vandervoort, and currently Stephen D. Guschov, a lawyer with prior experience at Liberty Counsel.

The group's leadership and board have included several individuals with connections to other organizations in the anti-immigration network. Notably, Phil Kent, a communications consultant and former spokesperson for the American Immigration Control Foundation, has been involved with ProEnglish.

Beliefs and Activities

ProEnglish campaigns primarily against bilingual education and the translation of government documents into languages other than English. The organization's stated goal is to declare English the official language of the United States, a move it argues would promote national unity. Among its legislative priorities is the English Language Unity Act, a proposed law aimed at establishing English as the sole official language.

ProEnglish opposes initiatives that they label as "divisive multiculturalism" and has vocally criticized efforts for immigration reform. The organization has also taken stands against certain executive orders that mandate translation services for non-English speakers, advocating instead for the termination of policies that support bilingual resources.

Controversies

ProEnglish has faced significant criticism for its ties to extremist views, particularly those associated with its founder, John Tanton. The organization is classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group due to its anti-immigrant sentiments and its alleged affiliation with white nationalist ideologies. Tanton's writings and the organization's agenda have been scrutinized for promoting a vision that some view as racially motivated.

Throughout its history, ProEnglish has been involved in various legislative efforts at both the state and national levels. While its influence has fluctuated, the organization has experienced a resurgence in attention and support, particularly during the Trump administration, with increased access to policymakers and discussions around English-only legislation.

Overall, ProEnglish operates as a part of a broader movement advocating for English primacy in the United States, positioning itself at the intersection of language policy and immigration discourse.