This book provides a social and educational perspective on contemporary English language learners, especially those large, fast-growing Hispanic and Asian groups whose presence is felt strongly in the schools. It is addressed to preservice and in-service teachers of English, whether in language arts, bilingual education, or English as a second language classrooms. Part I describes the makeup of previous generations of English language learners in the US and provides current demographics on English language learners. It also examines the process whereby immigrants come to adopt English. Part II provides teachers with information on the immigration background, language characteristics, and language use patterns of the most numerous groups of present-day English language learners. Part III explores three types of investment necessary for successful language learning - individual investment, legal and policy investment, and educational investment.