Do you think Immigrants should be required to learn English before coming to the USA?

Question

Why or why not?

Answer 1

Yes, I do. If not before, then learn the language while living in the country. As they say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." So it should be, when in America, be American and that includes learning and speaking the official language of America, English.

In my opinion, it is a sign of disrespect, selfishness, and total opportunism to take advantage of, and receive, all the benefits a country has to offer but not make the effort to become a part of the country. In the same token, though, the country has to enforce the use of its national language and not cater to a particular ethnic group or nationality because of political, economic, or other reasons.

Answer 2

No. People move here for different reasons and under different circumstances. It's not always reasonable to expect that an immigrant will be English-ready upon arrival. For example, people from war-torn countries or family members of people immigrating for work. I do think people should be encourage to learn English once they arrive. Non-English speakers are in a very vulnerable position. How will you communicate with health services, emergency workers, a child's school? These people may find themselves isolated and unable to socialize or otherwise interact with most other people.

Answer 3

Although it would help them alot to be prepared, while they wait for the OK to move here, it should not be a requirement. Instead it would be in their best interest to learn English within four years after they move over here. After all, the colonists didn't learn Lakota before moving here, and the Ellis Island immigrants of 1900 did not know English before moving here either.

Answer 4

ummm.....what happened to "Land of the FREE"?

The USA is a largely English speaking country, and NOT learning the language is a great detriment to a person whose lives there. They will be very inconvenienced as they go about their everyday life.

HOWEVER, if they decide that's okay, then fine. That is what Freedom is about. Freedom must be curtailed when it jeopardized people's safety: you cannot yell "fire" in a crowded theatre or shoot off a gun in a suburban neighbourhood, but curtailing someone's freedom because "it's annoying".....

I don't think that's what America's forefathers were aiming for.

Answer 5

I do not think it is neccessary for them to learn it BEFORE they come to the U.S.A . Although, I agree that they should be enrolled in a class before taking their citizenship test and should show proof of this.

But, how would it feel that you would be required to speak French befor going to France or else you're not welcomed? Or how about speaking spanish before going to Spain? Italy?

Answer 6

I think they should have to have a basic understanding of English to gain residency here. To be a citizen they should have to be fluent.

edit to FDM215: If an American was to decide to be a resident of Japan it would be foolish to not learn the language. We aren't talking about tourist here.

Answer 7

No because, that would mean that all of the first inmigrants who came to this country should've learned native american lenguage. Plus when other U.S. citizens travel to othe countries they aren't forced to learn their lenguange and they try to speak english to them. But i would be a good idea that they tried to learn it.

Answer 8

That's ridiculous.

That's like saying that Americans be required to learn Japanese before going to Japan.

Answer 9

They used to have to learn English & American History to even take the test to get in & the test was only given in English, not Spanish, as it is now. Yes, I feel they should Still have to learn English. My forefathers had to.

Answer 10

my in laws had to back in the 60's they also had to have money and a sponsor. My mil taught herself English and none of her children have and accent. I think it is always a benefit if someone is bilingual.