Arpaio starts 2-week mandatory English classes for inmates Oct. 24, 2006 12:00 AM Go directly to jail. Do pass a competency exam. Non-English- speaking inmates in Maricopa County jails began mandatory English classes on Monday. At the end of their two-week course, inmates must take a test to see how well they learned about American government, the words to God Bless America and the communication of health and safety needs. "These inmates happen to be incarcerated in the United States of America and in Maricopa County where I run the jails," Sheriff Joe Arpaio said in a statement. "And we speak English here, not foreign languages." Classes will last two hours a day. The curriculum comprises the three branches of government, how a bill becomes law, state government, law enforcement and court services, and jailhouse "situational" terminology. Most students will be native-Spanish speakers. Of the 10,000 prisoners in Maricopa County jails, about 3,000 are Hispanic, including roughly 1,000 undocumented immigrants. - Mike Cronin
2006-10-26 15:50:31 · 17 answers · asked by princess_29_71 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Sittingp., I am re-posting it because there was nothing wrong with the question and when it's removed again, you can be sure I will re-post it again.
2006-10-26 16:05:02 · update #1
If this gets removed, yes, please keep posting!
I love Sheriff Joe and I think everything he does is great!
2006-10-26 21:35:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Wow, serious subject here. As a resident of Phoenix, as well as someone who has daily contact with inmates (Bail Bond Agent), this appears to be the topic of the week for me. However, I agree with Joe Arpaio (this is a first for me.......agreeing with him).
Let me explain........this is directly connected to Proposition 103 on this year's ballot to amend the Arizona Constitution to designate English as the "Official State Language". I think the first thing is to consider that this affects other non-citizens and visitors, not just Mexicans. Granted, Spanish is the language that everyone is concerned with but this would include Italian, Japanese, Chinese, etc. I find nothing wrong with designating an official language. Like our ancestors, we grow and develop with time and experience......so has our language. Let's face it, when was the last time you heard someone say "Groovy" or "Right On"...outdated "slang" phrases used back in the 60's and 70's. Yes, language changes; and like our ethnic backgrounds some find it a source of pride. Why should we not be proud of our language? Surely our communication with others is more important than our "Official State/Country" designations such as the Rose or the Eagle, or maybe a Cactus or Beaver?
Economically it makes sense, too. Millions of dollars are spent on bi-lingual publications (most aimed towards spanish, but not all). Any changes, however, would not affect translations on necessary papers such as legal, tax, etc.
Finally, an old saying goes "When in Greece, do as the ............". Yes, you move to a new country it is your responsibility to intergrate with the people if you choose. What other country has another language on virtually every government building, sign, publication and so on for convenience of non-native language speakers? Not only would learning the new language increase their likelihood of gaining citizenship (if that is their goal), but also aid in socialization into a new environment and most important, in the quest for better paying employment.
Sorry for the long reply, but this is a topic I have spent much time thinking about. Back to Joe and the Jail.......I think for the first time he has come up with a positive idea. It is only to the defendant's benefit to learn the English and general knowledge of government. Translators will still be available so no services will be lost. Positive benefits might even include better communication in the jail and outside as well. One last thing.......the unsentenced inmates at the Maricopa County Jail have not much else to do all day, every day so this might be a good diversion from the tedium. So basically, what would it hurt? I can only see the positive on this.
2006-10-26 16:30:51 · answer #2 · answered by NoJail4You 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I find it a very constructive use of prisoners time, and a great idea. Since all of the documents which delineate the laws broken are in English, it is only fair that they be taught the language so there is no question as to why they are incarcerated.
2006-10-27 06:25:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure how I feel about this, I seen it on the news, it's good and bad, good because they should learn English, but bad because the people have to pay for it. we lose either way, they will get out of jail and deported then they will be back over again. It is business as usual they get everything free. I am so sick of educating their children and paying their medical bills, now inmates learning English at our expense. Just to much.
2006-10-26 16:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by hexa 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I think if someone is a LEGAL citizen and does not have skills, English proficiency(and in the southwest this is not uncommon for legal citizens not to have), then we should teach them. This will hopefully help them get better jobs and reduce crime.
However, if they are illegal, and have committed further illegal acts in this country, they should not be the type we are spending more money on. These people should be deported. Crime is not something we need to import, we have enough of our own.
2006-10-26 15:59:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Good idea for society, since the last thing we need is more people who can't speak the language.
Good idea for them, because it sure beats the alternative way that prisoners spend their free time.
2006-10-26 15:59:05 · answer #6 · answered by Professor Chaos386 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
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2016-09-01 03:16:56 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they should have to learn English - if we go to Mexico they don't all start speaking English for us.
My mom was from Germany and she taught herself English by reading books,newspapers or what ever she could get her hands on so i know it can be done.
I also have 2 Mexican nephews by marriage and they learned English.
2006-10-26 16:03:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Are you posting this because you disagree? The way I see it, anti-illegals should be thrilled, isnt one of the complaints that illegal immigrants dont speak English? Well now theyre leaning!! And you guys say they wont assimilate!!! lol.
2006-10-26 15:56:40 · answer #9 · answered by SittinPretty! 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋
They should learn english. If we were to go to their country, they would expect us to learn their language. What is the difference?? I don't see any. If you want to live here and work here, you should learn the language PERIOD.
2006-10-26 16:00:08 · answer #10 · answered by country girl 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I really like it, that sounds like a benificial program that could help to reduce crime, as education always does
2006-10-26 16:10:07 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋