Khalifeh is among about 1,400 adults enrolled in free English-as-a-second-language courses at Morton College in Cicero. The college offers the non-credit classes for low-income men and women who live nearby. Students who make it through all six levels will be able to read this newspaper. On a recent morning, Khalifeh took careful notes as teacher Enriqueta Ulit introduced her class to the present perfect tense.

For about 90 percent of the ESL students, Spanish is their native language. Polish and Arabic run second and third, respectively. Right now, Morton students represent 56 countries. Demand is high. About 690,000 immigrants live in Illinois and almost 2.3 million state residents speak a language other than English as the primary language in their home, according to U.S. Census figures from 2005. “We do not advertise due to the overwhelming need for classes,” said Jim Young, dean of adult education, community programming and outreach. “Students learn about the program by word of mouth. There would not be enough space if we advertised.”

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