Eighty-five percent (85%) of Americans believe that English should be the official language of the United States. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 adults found that only 11% disagree and 4% are not sure.

Last month, as part of legislation on immigration reform, the Senate voted 63-34 to make English the “national” language. The semantic difference between an “official” language and a “national” language is something that only a politician could love. The survey did not attempt to make any such distinction.

An official language would require all government publications and business to be conducted in English. That requirement was not included in the Senate legislation. However, the bill does state that no one has "a right, entitlement or claim to have the government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services or provide materials in any language other than English."

Making English the nation’s official language is favored by 92% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats, and 86% of those not affiliated with either major political party.

It is supported by 91% of those over 40 and 78% of those under 40. There is little difference in the views of men and women or across income categories. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of white Americans support English as the official language along with 76% of non-white Americans.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D) was upset by the measure that passed the Senate and declared it “racist.”

The House of Representatives did not include a requirement for making English the national language in their immigration reform proposal.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Americans now say that immigration reform is a “very” important issue in terms of how they will vote this November. Among those who say immigration is very important, 92% favor making English the official language of the United States.

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