Discussion of national language policy concerning adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) education examines conditions in American demographics and adult education, looks at kinds of policy required to meet predicted educational needs, and encourages ESL educators to become involved in the policy formation process. The first section discusses need for national adult ESL education policy, surveying trends in ESL instruction across federal and private sectors. It concludes with a call to action, suggesting three interdependent strategies for creating ESL-related policy. The second section elaborates on these strategies, examining key issues that must be addressed if the profession is to present a coherent, comprehensive ESL policy agenda to Congress. Characteristics of the adult ESL population and its educational needs are outlined, policy changes are suggested in areas of funding, recognition, and program quality improvement, and general policy recommendations are made. A concluding section describes actions that ESL professionals can take at the classroom, program, district, and state levels. Appended materials include notes on procedures for legislative review of the Adult Education Act, a timeline for involvement of ESL educators, glossary of acronyms, description of one adult ESL professional's experiences with policy formation, and list of related electronic message services. Contains 23 references. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)