What a difference a few years make. It was not long ago when advocates of English-only rules were demonized by name-calling, protests and smears, and subjected to claims of discrimination.

In 2005, in a South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno’s cheesesteak store began posting signs that said, “This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING ‘SPEAK ENGLISH.’” The Commission on Human Relations responded by trying to bully the owner, 66-year-old Joseph Vento, into removing his signs. The Commission threatened him with a discrimination complaint, and then followed through by filing it. Most small business owners would have caved rather than put their business and their livelihood on the line.

Even Vento’s competitors harshly criticized his policy, probably hoping to take business away from him. The ACLU piled on, saying “there are specific limitations on places of public accommodation, because they are supposed to be available to everyone.” Despite the intense pressure against him, the owner courageously stood firm for his English-only sign. Vento declared that “they would have to handcuff me and take me out because I’m not taking it down.”

On March 19, 2008, the Commission in heavily Democratic Philadelphia issued its stunning verdict: there is nothing discriminatory about Geno’s cheesesteaks English-only sign. By a 2-1 vote, Mr. Vento had prevailed. The press was dumbfounded and speechless.

Other rulings in favor of English are suddenly appearing. In April, a federal court enforced an Iowa law requiring that official state documents be only in English. The court’s ruling compelled Iowa to remove its foreign-language voter registration forms.

"Having a common language binds us together, the most powerful unifying force known throughout history," Congressman Steve King said. King brought the lawsuit in order to enforce a law that he voted for when he was a state legislator. His legal victory also compelled Iowa to change its website, which had been offering online voter registration in five languages. "I don't know of any other state where officials decided to ignore the law and do as they pleased," King added.

Even foreign countries are now emphasizing English. The Naval Academy in South Korea has established an English-only zone in order to train its cadets to improve their ability to speak and understand English. Its zone includes an operation control room and a debate room. With foreign countries establishing English-only policies, there is no valid reason why Americans cannot do likewise.