Should immigrants be required to show profiency in English?

Answer 1

yes, it is for their own good, so they won't be exploited. They will also be able to be part of mainstream America.

Answer 2

When I lived in Spain, I was fully expected to know how to get by in Spanish. There were no signs in English, except at the airport, and if I needed directions, guess which language I had to use. Yup, Spanish. When I traveled to France, I was expected to know enough French to order food, to read a map, and to seek out people who spoke my language. When I travelled to Italy, and Switzerland, and Germany - the same thing.

So why is it that when people come to live in the United States, they expect *us* to adapt to *them*. The immigrants past would be ashamed of the expectations of current immigrants - all legalities aside.

It used to be that people came to the United States looking for refuge, for a place to build a better life for their children. They took pride in where they lived - they would pick up litter from their neatly manicured lawn, ensure their children were in good schools and professions, and contributed to the community around them. We don't see that anymore.

The immigrants of today expect *us* to mold to *them* - and they have it backwards. If they came to America to seek a better life than the one they had in their homeland, then why on earth should *we* have to change? Wouldn't that make America just as bad as where they came from?

So, yes, immigrants should have to prove proficiency in the English language, because it is the language that binds this country - official or not. They are already here illegally - why should we have to make concessions to them in order for them to become legal. They need to learn to assimilate into their new country, and be proud to be an American, just like I am. That doesn't mean they have to give up their heritage. But, I'm sorry, I do not want someone living in *my* country who says "Viva Mexico" or celebrates in the streets when we are gruesomely attacked by terrorists.

And, yes, many "native" English speakers don't have a complete grasp of the English language. But they can get by and communicate with those around them without any problems. They function in society and contribute. Their poor grammar is a biproduct of our dispicable education system - not necessarily their complete unwillingness to learn to speak the language.

Answer 3

Yes.

Although constitutionally America does not have an official language, it is obviously beneficial for immigrants to learn English since it's the language that the majority speaks and it is a good language for immigrants from completely different cultures to communicate with one another in.

Answer 4

Absolutely,if they plan to stay - they need it to get by in their adopted country, and should not be allowed to fall into a ghetto. They may prefer to stay with others of their nationality and speak their old language, but the host country has every right to expect its new residents or citizens to make an effort to integrate. The result of not integrating was demonstrated on the London Underground in July last year.

Great avatar, by the way.

Answer 5

YES!!! its for their own good and helpful for the rest of us. If you speak the language then no one can take advantage of you because they can't control the information you have access to. I'm sick of people coming up to me because I look hispanic and talking to me in spanish. I would love to help you with whatever it is that you need but I can't understand you!! I was born here, why do I have to learn the multitude of languages for all of the immigrants that come here in order to get along? That doesn't make any sense!

so much money is spent trying to help non-english speakers, in schools, in state agencies, in hospitals...if they could just speak even rudimentary english then that money could go towards other things that desperately need funding.

Also, if I wanted to go to any other country and live I would need to know the language. I do not know why people coming here cannot be held to the same standards. I do not think it's discriminatory to ask that immigrants learn our language. I think it's incredibly arrogant and insulting to come to a country, ask to be a part of it and to want to take advantage of its benefits and then refuse to learn the language here. This is the land of dreams but i really think you have to help yourself.

Answer 6

They already ARE required to show their proficiency in English, except the test used for this purpose is overly easy to do any good.

There is a section in citizenship test where one is required to listen to spoken sentence and write it down. Also, the entire test is conducted in English.

The only exception is if you are above certain age or if you are somehow limited (handicap) to make this even a possibility.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

No. I know many natives who can't speak it correctly. That is such a discriminatory notion. Maybe we should ban mentally challenged people, mute people and people with accents because we can't always understand them. Some countries teach their children to be bilingual at a pre school age. No wonder we are falling behind in education.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

The word is "proficiency". I think after about 30 million crossed over illegally it's too late. There's just too many of them. I think Bush will give them all amnesty just because of their sheer numbers. They should be required to learn English...)(

Answer 11

Yes. It's the least they can do to show that they are intending to assimilate into our society.

Comment for Twynnone: Proficiency is the ability to talk and comprehend a language, not necessarily the ability to read and/or write it.