Immigrants face long wait for low-cost English classes

Thousands of immigrants are waiting three to six months for access to low-cost English classes in Montgomery County, despite at least 52 different locations providing English for Speakers of Other Languages programs, according to county ESOL providers.

County officials say they are walking a tightrope between trying to meet the growing need for instruction and ensuring thatresources are being put to their best use. Most of the immigrants seeking English classes are Hispanic, but ESOL program leaders say Chinese and Korean students also are increasing in number.