Jacob Hofstetter
Jacob Hofstetter is a Policy Analyst at MPI’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, where he conducts research related to language access as well as educational and workforce policies and service designs for immigrant adults and youth. His work focuses on the civic, economic, and linguistic integration of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In the language access space, he analyzes the design and implementation of federal, state, and local policies that aim to expand access to government services for individuals with limited proficiency in English. In his work related to adult education and workforce development, he researches programs that promote the integration of immigrants and examines the broader policies that govern adult skills systems.
Previously, he worked as a Research and Policy Associate at the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, where he led a project evaluating language access in the child welfare system of Massachusetts. He has also interned for Refugee Services of Texas, worked as a Legal Services Coordinator for Human Rights First in Houston, and spent a year as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Spain.
Mr. Hofstetter holds a master’s degree in global policy studies with a focus on immigration and refugee policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin and a BA in history from Miami University.
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Explore Content by Jacob Hofstetter
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Adult English Instruction at Risk: The Threat of Federal Funding Cuts and Potential State Responses
Proposed cuts to adult English funding during the second Trump term threaten programs, given 27 states rely on the federal government for at least half their WIOA Title II funding.
State and Local Language Access Efforts Amid Federal Policy Shifts
This webinar focused on the role of state and local language access policies in a rapidly changing federal policy context.
New Frameworks for Language Access: Tracking the Expansion and Features of State and Local Laws and Policies
Since 2000, many state and local governments expanded language access policies for residents with limited English proficiency. With growing cracks in the federal policy framework, their efforts will be even more key.
Trump Administration Actions Jeopardize Decades of Progress in Adult Education and Immigrant Integration
A move by the Trump administration to limit immigrants' use of federal programs stands to significantly destabilize the U.S. adult education system, which has helped millions of immigrant adults learn English and build foundational skills. In the process, this will harm the White House's stated desire to help immigrants learn English, build skills, and integrate into U.S. society, as this short read outlines.
All in for a Thriving Connecticut: Opportunities to Support Upward Mobility for the State’s Immigrant Families
With immigrants driving all population growth since 2006, Connecticut has opportunities to promote the upward mobility of immigrant families for overall societal benefit.
Behind the Scenes: Mapping How State and Local Governments Implement Language Access Measures
More than 27 million U.S. residents had limited English proficiency in 2023; state and local governments offer varied models for delivering language access.
Set Up for Success: Supporting Immigrant Youth Through the Workforce Development System
The WIOA Youth program holds real promise for connecting immigrant youth to careers, but English proficiency rules and work authorization requirements limit who can be served.
Shifting Priorities: How the Official English Executive Order Could Affect Language Access Efforts
President Trump’s executive order proclaiming English the country's official language marks a major shift in federal language access policy—revoking longstanding mandates and leaving federal agencies with broad discretion in provision of information and services in other languages. The action raises questions about how federal, state, and local agencies administering federally funded programs will adapt to ensure language barriers do not impede public access to essential services.
Emerging and Established Efforts by States to Expand Language Access
Colorado, Michigan, and New York officials discussed how states’ language access efforts have evolved and innovative approaches to reduce linguistic barriers for more than 25 million U.S. residents who have limited proficiency in English.
