Constructing a Language Problem: Paternalism, Power Devaluation, and the Legitimation of Nativism in the English-only Movement

Between 1984 and 2010, the 'English-only' movement successfully lobbied for legislation to make English the official language of 24 states and to restrict bilingual public education in three others. Using county-level data on voting outcomes in states that voted on anti-bilingual-education laws, I evaluate both class- and status-based explanations for movement support. I find support for the status-based power devaluation perspective — an alternative to the dominant theories of symbolic politics — and for a 'new nativism' grounded in fiscal conservatism. Ironically, support for English-only legislation tends to be highest where immigrants are making the most gains in terms of language acquisition.