The American education system is serving a growing number of English language learners. Some research indicates that by 2030, more than 40% of elementary and secondary students served by schools in the United States will come from homes where a language other than English is spoken (Thomas & Collier, 2001). In an effort to accommodate these students, the United States has adopted policies at the federal and state levels. In general, the direction taken to meet the needs of English learners depends on the climate of the nation. In times of peace and prosperity, policies reflect the nation's tolerance of other languages ​​and cultures. However, in times of war or conflict, policies have reflected intolerance or fear of anything considered "un-American." World War I brought anti-German sentiment and, with it, the end of all teaching of or in other languages ​​in the United States. The Meyer v. Nebraska case in 1923 reflected this shared anti-German worldview by many people in the United States and has proven to be a definite setback for bilingual education. Under a 1919 Nebraska law, no subject was to be taught in any language other than English. Additionally, students were prohibited from learning a foreign language until the 8th grade (Kermit, 2005). Fear fueled the fire of foreigners, and during a frightening period of war, America clung to the idea that all of its citizens should speak only one language, English. The civil rights era fostered a rejuvenation of the movement toward bilingual education. As part of the nation's desire to eliminate discrimination, the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 came into being. Certainly, this act was at least partly the result of increasing numbers...... middle of paper...... after all. The political winds will change, but the need to improve those who depend on America's schools for their education should take priority over such changes.ReferencesACLU Foundation. (July 29, 1999). CA's anti-immigration Proposition 187 is struck down, ending the state's five-year battle with the ACLU and rights groups. Retrieved October 18, 2010 from http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights/cas-anti-immigrant-proposition-187-voided-ending-states-five-year-battle-aclu-righ.Kermit, L.H. Meyer v. Nebraska.” The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States. 2005. Accessed October 17, 2010 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O184-MeyervNebraska.html Thomas, WP and Collier, V. (1997). Academic effectiveness for linguistic minority students. Washington, DC: National Center for Bilingual Education.