Centuries ago, America was built upon the principle of immigration. Historically, time and time again, the US has thrived on the infusion of waves of new immigrants (Davis, 1985). From the settlement of many Germans on the Ohio river, to the Irish in Boston, and the Italians in New York, the country has undeniably thrived under this influx of immigration.
At the time, the United States was going through a time of expansion into the Western frontier and the development of industrial infrastructure. It appeared that there was ample space and opportunities for all individuals to find their place in society. Moreover, the pressure to learn English then was much greater than it is now which was further reinforced by the newly established American school system that compelled literacy and fluency in English.
During the formative years of the United States as a republic, our understanding and implementation of due process and legal rights were not as advanced as they are today. It is evident that the founding fathers had certain expectations regarding the rights of individuals, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
“All men are created equal by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among those are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”
Bearing all of this in mind, how have we gotten to a point where it is increasingly hard for immigrants to even learn the English language, let alone have the accessibility to understand the countries laws and policies. isn’t that one of the basic rights that our founding fathers had in mind, when they established the constitution more than 200 years ago?
We need to come up with solutions and take action. Fast. We are currently at a crucial point in the history of the US. It is up to us and our legislators, who must do everything in their power to make the countries laws policies and ways of living accessible to people of al cultures, all backgrounds and all ethnicities.
So how can we fix this?
As the United States continues to witness a rise in non-English speaking visitors, asylum seekers, and immigrants, the need for effective communication becomes paramount. This is particularly challenging when individuals interact with the judicial system or government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2013 data, a record-breaking 61.8 million U.S. residents, including native-born, legal, and illegal immigrants, spoke a language other than English at home. Among those who spoke a foreign language, 41 percent (25.1 million) reported speaking English less than very well. It is noteworthy that a significant portion of foreign-language speakers, accounting for 44 percent (27.2 million), were actually born in the United States. These figures underscore the need to address language barriers within the country.
One company at the forefront of meeting this demand is CCI Group, located in Orlando, Florida. Indy Vega, the CEO of CCI Group, emphasizes the importance of hiring certified interpreters and translators. These professionals play a crucial role in various civil and criminal court proceedings, including divorce cases, injunctions, immigration matters, and situations involving individuals facing criminal charges or deportation. Furthermore, there are instances beyond the legal system where non-English speakers may find themselves in distress, such as accidents resulting in hospital visits. Vega highlights the necessity of having qualified professionals available to ensure appropriate care and effective communication in such critical situations.
The importance of simplifying the lives of judges and magistrates by providing clear and accurate translations is one that should not be neglected. Judges, like any individuals, can experience frustration, particularly considering their time constraints. Enhancing accessibility to information through well-translated documents and interpreted testimonies contributes to a more effective and fair judicial process.
As the United States becomes more linguistically diverse, addressing language barriers in legal proceedings and government interactions becomes increasingly crucial. The demand for certified translators and interpreters is growing rapidly, ensuring effective communication between non-English speakers and the justice system. By employing these language professionals, individuals can better navigate legal complexities, safeguard their rights, and contribute to a more equitable society.
DAVIS, WILLIAM E. “LANGUAGE AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM: PROBLEMS AND ISSUES.” The Justice System Journal, vol. 10, no. 3, 1985, pp. 353–64. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20877792. Accessed 29 May 2023.
Law Firm of Ayo & Iken. (n.d.). Ayo And Iken. https://www.myfloridalaw.com/the-solution-to-language-barriers-with-the-legal-system/
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