Limited English Proficient Law and Legal Definition
According to 20 USCS § 7801 (25), the term “limited English proficient”, when used with respect to an individual, means “an individual--
(A) who is aged 3 through 21;
(B) who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school;
(C) (i) who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English;
(ii) (I) who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a native resident of the outlying areas; and
(II) who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual's level of English language proficiency; or
(iii) who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; and
(D) whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual--
(i) the ability to meet the State's proficient level of achievement on State assessments described in section 1111(b)(3) [20 USCS § 6311(b)(3)];
(ii) the ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; or
(iii) the opportunity to participate fully in society.”
