There is a growing perception, particularly among Hispanics, of the urgent need to structure a coherent national policy encompassing the rights of language minorities. No such policy can be framed without taking into consideration the unique situation of Puerto Ricans, who are American citizens by birth but who are taught in Spanish in Puerto Rican schools with congressional acquiescence. A review of court decisions, statutes, and agency rules shows some important advances: the bilingual provision of the Voting Rights Act, bilingual education, some requirements for bilingual notices and assistance in unemployment and public assistance matters, and some limitations on an employer's right to establish and enforce English-only rules on the job. These rights, however, do not stand on a secure foundation. Unless a national language policy is put in place, private employers and government agencies will continue to implement disjointed and sometimes conflicting policies. (CMG)