The Hispanic and Latino population in Elko, Nevada has grown to over a quarter of the city’s population, leading to an increase in non-English speakers, particularly Spanish speakers. This trend is part of a wider shift towards diversity in rural America, with the White population decreasing and more racial and ethnic minorities moving into rural areas. Despite federal protections for language access, many state and local governments struggle to provide vital information in multiple languages, impacting public health and safety. Efforts to implement language-access laws face challenges, but there is a growing recognition of the importance of accommodating diverse populations in rural areas.
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As Rural America Grows More Diverse, Language Access Is Slow To Take Hold
