In light of recent developments regarding President Trump’s initiative to limit immigration into the United States, I find myself once again disheartened by the government’s increasingly xenophobic stance. One aspect of this proposal includes offering advantages to English-speaking immigrants, a requirement that feels particularly troubling to me. As an immigrant myself, I know that 33 years ago, I wouldn’t have qualified under these criteria. Research strongly suggests that true language acquisition comes from immersion, not merely from existing proficiency.
This biased criterion unfairly targets immigrants who are already the most marginalized and in need of support. It troubles me that the current climate has fostered a disdain for bilingualism, as if speaking another language undermines one’s American identity. Let’s not forget that the appeal of America as a land of opportunity is rooted in its inclusivity. That’s what makes us unique.
Growing up in a bilingual household, I was immersed in Urdu at home while learning English in Chicago schools. However, as I embraced parenthood, I realized my children were being raised without the benefits of dual languages. We primarily communicated in English, and it struck me how they even thought emojis were a foreign language! I had mistakenly assumed my kids would naturally absorb Urdu without any effort on my part.
Despite over half the global population being bilingual, only about 20% of Americans identify as such. Disturbingly, statistics show that merely 1% of Americans become proficient in a foreign language studied in school, despite the existence of foreign language requirements in many high schools. I didn’t want my children to become part of that statistic, fully aware of the myriad benefits bilingualism offers.
For instance, knowing multiple languages can delay dementia and Alzheimer’s for years. Bilingual individuals are often better at processing information and resolving conflicts, thanks to their enhanced ability to interpret verbal and non-verbal cues. Furthermore, bilingualism can improve concentration, multitasking, and overall brain function.
While searching for summer camps, I discovered the Indus Arts Council, which offers a free, three-week Urdu immersion camp every summer. Yes, you read that right—free! This initiative is funded by StarTalk, part of the National Security Language Initiative overseen by the NSA. The U.S. government has invested in education for ten “critical-need” foreign languages since 2006, aiming to bolster international relationships and national security.
In my quest to teach my son Urdu, I found support from the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. It’s ironic that during a time when bilingualism is often viewed unfavorably, the U.S. government has been actively funding these language programs for over a decade to help Americans master languages like Turkish, Arabic, Chinese, and yes, Urdu.
My son has benefited immensely from attending this immersion camp for the last two summers. Not only has he learned conversational Urdu, but his confidence in speaking it has soared. He now takes pride in knowing a language that was once just “code” for private conversations between my partner and me. In light of the current political climate, I am more determined than ever to speak Urdu with my children, firmly embracing my identity as a Pakistani-American.
Raising a bilingual child does take effort, but it’s not as daunting as it might seem, even if you don’t speak a second language yourself. Finding a local program and utilizing helpful apps can make a significant difference. Ultimately, consistent exposure to the new language is key.
With the benefits of bilingualism backed by research and the reality that more than half of the world is bilingual, I feel great about the investment I’m making each summer. And it’s a bonus that my government is indirectly helping to shape another bilingual American.
As Khaled Hosseini wisely stated, “if culture is a house, then language is the key to the front door.” Let’s strive to open as many doors as we can for our children.
Summary
The author reflects on the current U.S. government’s stance on immigration and bilingualism, contrasting it with personal experiences of raising a bilingual child. Through a free Urdu immersion camp funded by the government, the author’s son has gained confidence and skill in a second language, highlighting the importance of bilingualism and the need for inclusivity.