Should immigrants be required to show profiency in English?

Robert

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

angela R

I believe so....Lets face it, you can't get ahead in this country until you learn the language.....It only serves to help an immigrant when he/she learn the language....

Leogirl0804

I think that is a good idea.

dukalink6000

Kind of tough when many natives don't show a proficiency in English

'Barn

Yes

funy

absolutely- english is the official language spoken in the united states. if you were to move to france or spain or italy you would have to learn the language, it should be no different here.

hquin_tset

It might be kind of awkward, considering how many native-born Americans can't demonstrate proficiency in English.

nren2k5

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.

navithebluestorm

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.

tkquestion

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.

thecrunkness

ummm....no. people arent born knowing how to speak english and just because they are coming to america doesnt mean their english will be good because they have never been in a english speaking environment, that is like you going to mexico and expected to speak spanish as fluently they do, language takes time as in YEARS to perfect so no they shouldnt

Diamante

Yes, because they come to an english speaking country!

Hi yÂ´all !

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.

Dunrobin

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.

princess_29_71

yes

trl_666

Yes

MissKathleen

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...)(

Zelda Hunter

For citizenship YES.
For temporary green cards or business visas NO.
For permanent green cards, YES but les than for citizenship, and grandfather in all those who have already been in the system for the last 10 years or more.

Caliq

yeah, ok.

Xae

should those things be required to be tied down before going out in public

I could sleep on those, Thats the best rack in a picture I have seen on yahoo

tragic female

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.

Twynnone

No... Half the born US citizens can't spell or use proper grammar. But they're the first ones to say everyone else should.

sgmaluv

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.

It's MEEEE!!!!

well yes it is a good idea but i don't think that they should be required

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: