In light of recent developments regarding President Trump’s initiative to limit immigration to the U.S., I can’t help but feel disheartened by the wave of xenophobia from our government. One of the proposals includes prioritizing English-speaking immigrants, which I find deeply troubling. Thirty-three years ago, I wouldn’t have qualified under such criteria as an immigrant seeking a better life. Research shows that language immersion is vital for truly mastering a new language, making this bias particularly unfair to those immigrants who have the least exposure to English—those who are often the most marginalized and in need of opportunity.
It pains me to see how the current administration has fostered an atmosphere of disdain for bilingual individuals, as if speaking another language undermines one’s American identity. Isn’t it time we remembered that the appeal of the United States has always been its inclusiveness? That’s our strength, after all.
As a first-generation immigrant, I grew up in a bilingual environment, speaking Urdu at home while learning English in Chicago schools. However, as I settled into parenthood, it struck me that my children were not benefiting from a bilingual upbringing. We primarily spoke English, and it wasn’t until I realized my kids thought emoji was a foreign language that I understood how much I had overlooked. I had assumed they would naturally absorb Urdu, just as I had, without any effort from me.
Despite over half the world’s population being bilingual, only about 20% of Americans consider themselves bilingual. This is concerning, especially since statistics reveal that merely 1% of Americans attain proficiency in a foreign language learned in school, despite 93% of high schools requiring foreign language study. I didn’t want my children to fall into this statistic, aware of the countless advantages of being bilingual.
Being bilingual can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by years, enhance cognitive processing, and improve conflict resolution skills. Bilingual individuals also tend to concentrate better and multitask more effectively.
Last summer, while searching for summer camps, I discovered the Indus Arts Council, which offers a three-week Urdu immersion camp for free. Yes, you read that right—free! The camp is funded by StarTalk, a National Security Language Initiative overseen by the NSA, aimed at encouraging American students to learn “critical-need” languages like Urdu, Turkish, and Arabic to foster international relations and bolster national security.
In my quest to teach my son Urdu, I received unexpected support from various government departments. This is ironic, given the current political climate that often dismisses bilingualism. Yet, the U.S. has been funding language immersion programs for over a decade, striving to help Americans learn foreign languages.
My son has had an incredible experience attending this camp for the past two summers. His confidence in speaking Urdu has greatly increased, and he takes pride in knowing a language that once felt like a mere code for private conversations between his parents. I’m also making a concerted effort to speak Urdu with my kids because the Trump administration has underscored our differences. As I strive to maintain my cultural identity, I embrace my role as a Pakistani-American.
Raising a bilingual child requires some dedication, but it’s not overwhelming, even if you’re not fluent in a second language. Finding a local program and using helpful apps can make a difference. The key is to consistently immerse your child in the language with confidence.
With more than half the global population being bilingual and the benefits of bilingualism ever-increasing, I feel proud to invest the extra effort each summer to ensure my son has a unique immersive experience. And it’s a bonus that my government is contributing to the creation of another bilingual American. As Khaled Hosseini aptly put it, “If culture is a house, then language is the key to the front door.” Let’s strive to open as many doors as possible for our children.
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In summary, the U.S. government’s support for bilingual education has positively impacted my son’s journey in learning Urdu, contrasting sharply with the prevailing anti-bilingual sentiment. Through bilingualism, we can foster cultural identity and cognitive benefits for our children.
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