As Congress resumes, we can expect a heated debate as the House and Senate work out differences between their competing immigration reform bills. One of the more contentious issues is whether the law should enshrine English as the national language.

For many, the issue has become so emotional and symbolic that practical benefits — largely for immigrants themselves — have been pushed into the background. That’s a shame. Because regardless of which side prevails in this debate, Congress has a real opportunity to focus the nation’s attention on a far more pressing issue — the importance of learning English.