Language barriers can limit the chances immigrants have to get good jobs, earn fair wages, and advance in their careers. There is often limited access to education or job training, since many programs are taught in English only. Some immigrants may not even know about these kinds of opportunities if they can’t understand ads or websites. This causes many to avoid applying, because they feel they wouldn’t succeed. 

Some immigrants have degrees or experience, but language barriers can prevent them from getting professional positions. Even if an immigrant does land a job, it could still be a challenge if they don’t speak English well. They may not understand instructions or safety warnings, which could be dangerous if not handled carefully. This could lead to mistakes or injuries due to language confusion. 

Not being able to speak English can make immigrants feel less confident and more isolated in their daily lives. For example, they may feel shy and anxious about speaking in professional settings, making it harder to express ideas or ask for help. Without being able to communicate comfortably, they might miss out on helpful advice when applying for education or job opportunities.

These challenges can make it much harder for immigrants to succeed economically. However, there are several ways to help overcome these problems and give immigrants better opportunities.

Solutions to help immigrants overcome language barriers:

• Free or low-cost language classes: 

ESL or local language classes can help immigrants improve their communication skills. These are offered at community centers and libraries

• Companies that offer bilingual training:

In some industries such as construction and healthcare, bilingual training may be available. This can help immigrants secure jobs in these fields and understand their tasks more clearly.

• Online learning resources: 

Apps like Duolingo and Memrise can be very helpful for beginners in learning English

• Duolingo is a free app that provides short lessons to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 
• Memrise shows videos of real people speaking in English, making it easier to learn useful words for real-life situations. It also uses pictures and games to help learners remember vocabulary faster.

The United States is a nation built by immigrants. It is important for all of us to work together to assist immigrants in developing language skills.