Does not speaking English keep Hispanic people from fully realizing the American dream?

Question

I think it does. What's your opinion?

I should clarify that this question is in regard to Hispanic people living in the United States.

There were lots of great answers—thank you.

I was not trying to address the illegal immigrant issue.

I believe even Hispanic people in California are missing part of the American Dream when they are not able to participate fully. In order to do this they must be able to read and write the English language. A wide range of books, magazines and newspaper articles are simply not available here to non-English speaking people. It is also my belief that they limit their job growth potential and don’t earn as much as English speaking or bi-lingual people do. I am certain that non-English speaking people make much less, on average, than English speaking people do. Of course there are exceptions.

Answer 1

Most hispanic people think it is good to learn to speak English, I just don't think they realize how far behind it puts some of their kids when they don't help teach them at home. I live in Texas, and TAKS scores in our area lower consistently with the amount of non-English speaking kids in the class, and it only gets worse as they get older. My mother in law is also a substitute for the area now, and she went to one of these schools to teach 5th grade, the students could not even sequence what they had read in a paragraph. She was appalled, they just couldn't understand. And here they are, almost ready for junior high and high school, when the reading will get progressively difficult.
People can speak what they like in the home, but they are hurting their kids by not speaking English in the home too. Additionally, immigrants who speak English get paid 30% more than those who do not, and are less likely to be exploited by people.

Answer 2

Below is a list of the states that have passed laws making English that states official language and the year the law was passed.Yes not being able to speak English hurts the legal and the illegal and their earning power.Tell me wouldn't it hurt others if someone didn't understand the instructions given to them? Its dangerous to be working with someone that doesn't understand English ..Not just to the person that cant speak English but to those he/she works with.So it does hurt others too.

Here is a list of the states that have adopted English as their official language and the year they passed the law.
Alabama (1990)
Alaska (1998)
Arkansas (1987)
California (1986)
Colorado (1988)
Florida (1988)
Georgia (1986 & 1996)
Hawaii (1978)
Illinois (1969)
Indiana (1984)
Iowa (2002)
Kentucky (1984)
Louisiana (1811)
Massachusetts (1975)
Mississippi (1987)
Missouri (1998)
Montana (1995)
Nebraska (1920)
New Hampshire (1995)
North Carolina (1987)
North Dakota (1987)
South Carolina (1987)
South Dakota (1995)
Tennessee (1984)
Utah (2000)
Virginia (1981 & 1996)
Wyoming (1996)

Answer 3

I think that if anyone wants to become a legal immigrant into the USA, they should learn to speak, read and write English as good as they know their own language. I also think that if our governments, local, state, and national would quit using bilingual forms, then it would force those that are illegal to not be able to illegally get the benefits of a US citizen, or at least deter it somewhat. That would also save a heck of a lot on our printing costs. And,,,,,,I do not believe any company should ask the question: "For English press 1" . This is America where we speak English and if you don't know how to you shouldn't be using our services, governmental and private.

Answer 4

I don't really get why we have to translate everything in Spanish. I see it everywhere! Every product I buy has some Spanish translation printed on them. I really don't like it! This is America and people speak English here! Learn the language if you want to move here, and this mostly goes to the illegal southerns.. Hey, I'm just telling the truth, I don't see any mainstream product with (let's say) Japanese translation printed on it. See the point? Other immigrants, legal law abiding immigrants, are conscious of what is ethical, what is right, and down right respectful of this country.

Answer 5

Yes. I was born in Puerto Rico, and studied both there, and here in the US. My parents, even though they came to the states as young adults learned rudimentary English, just to be able to survive. They knew that hard work would only get them so far. They instilled in us (siblings), that same work ethic in our pursuit of a good education. I believe that many "illegal" parents wish that of their children. The problem is that even if they don't agree with the laws, they are STILL THE LAW. What are they teaching their children about being law abiding citizens?

Answer 6

Yes, I believe it does, too. At any rate, if Hispanic people are living in America, I believe they should learn English and become Americans. It is only then that they will truly realize the American dream.

Answer 7

i can comprehend in away even with the undeniable fact that that's impolite! that's like whispering! you're able to do it interior the privateness of your place. If i'm in a communique with you yet you communicate french i can't answer decrease back or help you or notwithstanding the situation could be! it purely feels weird and wonderful for human beings. i can pass to France and communicate French and not have a concern for the reason that the language of that usa. English is the language of this usa additionally! you are able to refer to a minimum of one yet another in you language yet some human beings inspect it as impolite, even in the adventure that your no longer conversing to them! why? i'm uncertain yet i became taught that it became impolite to communicate in yet another language in front of those that don't communicate the language. It makes the different person sense like your hidding some thing from everybody else! It additionally makes others sense no longer blanketed and risky. you are able to say you weren't announcing something undesirable yet they gained't have self belief you!

Answer 8

i dont think it does in california maybe in other states some of my husbands family dont speak english(my husband is always telling them how thwy should go to night school to learn english mostly so they can have a better relationship with there kids) and they own there home drive a new car and live a really good middle class life so i dont think is affecting them
but yes it is good to learn english but les face it with more hispanics coming to this country it will become less likely that they will have to learn english im not saying that they should not whant to

Answer 9

those not speaking English have an anti American dream

Answer 10

I think if I were to move to a different country I would learn the language, and want to