A proposal before the Pennsylvania Legislature would make English the state's official language for government purposes, but some argue it could send a hostile message to residents who don't speak it.
The House State Government Committee on Monday also heard from supporters who said the designation would put Pennsylvania in line with a majority of states and save tax dollars.
"To me, this is a step forward to changing the mindset of Harrisburg to the mindset of common sense," said the sponsor, Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Fayette, who said the proposal would encourage immigrants to learn English.
The practical impact of the proposal is not clear. Its list of exceptions includes public safety, courts and instruction in English for people trying to learn it.
The bill would largely prohibit government agencies from spending money to promote other languages, and would require all "official acts" of government to be recorded in English.
Rep. Leslie Acosta, D-Philadelphia, began her remarks in Spanish before being told by committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, that she had to speak in English.
"This is disruptive, this is divisive, and this is likely unconstitutional," said Acosta, who described herself as the state's first Latina state representative.
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Temple University law professor Jan Ting said government translation efforts should be limited to courts or where it's specifically authorized by legislation. A single language has been a strength of the country's, he said.
"How else can Americans participate in public discussion of our common issues and problems?" he asked the committee.
The American Civil Liberties Union in Pennsylvania opposes the measure, said legislative director Andy Hoover. He said about 2 million state residents currently have little or no English skills.
