Do you think that to become an american citizen you should be able to speak english?
544274
nope--your relatives came from some where-in the beginning -did they speak English?
859408
Yes.  If you are too lazy to learn English and you live in America, then you shouldnt get to make decisions on politics.  Its sad when people come here and dont want to be American,.... why come here then?  Stay where you can speak your native tongue.  My Grandparents came here and only knew their language and learned English because they wanted to be American, out of respect and because they knew this is the GREATEST country to live in and make something for yourself.
1164689
Amen!\n\nI see no reason for us to be bilingual & why the heck should we "press one for English", it's the damn United States of America; English is our National Language!\n\nI think English should be more empashied as our first language.\n\nI can only see it when you are doing business Internationally and that's it!  Why the hell should I have to have two years of Spanish to teach school?  It's not right!  They should have two years or more to speak English!\n\nMedicaid & Food Stamps - You have to have a SSN but they can just "buy" them from someone who is making them illegally.  Besides, there are so many loopholes in the system it isn't funny!
613760
If you would like to ultimately become an American,you should try to legally migrate to the US.
1173127
You're asking two very different questions.  Once you're a legal immigrant, unless you're a felon, and if you've lived here for at least five years, you need only basic English understanding to become a  US Citizen.  However, if you're an illegal immigrant, you can't be a US Citizen.  You see; an illegal immigrant breaks the law by being here illegally; therefore, unless he or she becomes a legal immigrant, such as a US Resident, there is no way for him or her to become a US Citizen.  Furthermore, when people say that it's hard to become a US Citizen, if they are legal, they usually mean that it's hard to pass the written and oral English Test required for the Citizenship Certificate.
955545
I GOT YOUR BACK, BRO!\n\nThe peopel who founded this country spoke English, so why can't those who come here from other countries learn to speak OUR language? They sure don't bend over backwards to accommodate us when we visit their countries. Or even if we move there, we have to learn THEIR language if we intend to survive.\n\nThey have TESL classes in our schools (Taking English as a Second Language)...IT SHOULD BE THE FIRST, LAST AND ONLY LANGUAGE...IF you are an American!!!!!!!
503033
I concur. If you are in a new land and desire to become a citizen of that land, you must learn the ways, the language, the tradition. You don't forget your past, but you use it in a way that you can adopt your new country's ways and customs.\n\nYou cannot be a citizen and have two countries, either you are or are not a citizen...
355941
I feel they should be allowed to come here, but they have to do it LEGALLY and LEARN ENGLISH!  Don't come here to mooch off free medical care and everything else we pay taxes for!  Come here LEGALLY, LEARN ENGLISH, and MAKE A LIVING!  It is just a pet peeve of mine!  I have a question about why immigrants WON'T learn english, it is still open for answer!
1021366
English should always be considered the US National Language. It doesn't even make sense to consider otherwise. It's obvious there is a lot of controversy regarding all the millions of immigrants from all over the world, specially those with hispanic descendancy, however, they were the ones who came to United States, an English speaking country, to try and make a better life and secure a better future than their homeland can provide, so it's only natural they have to learn English and adjust themselves with American society, it wouldn't make sense if thousands of Americans decided to invade China or Brazil as their new home, start demanding left and right immigrant rights, trying to change things for how they want it to be. It should definitely be mandatory for everyone wanting to live in US soil to learn, speak, read and understand English.
396094
I came to this country at the age of 23, my only words in English were, THANK YOU and GOOD MORNING, I went to English as a Second language classes for four months and paid very closed attention to my surroundings, I also watched The Golden Girls every day (ha ha), it sounds very silly but nine years later my English is as good as it could be,(Spanish accent included)\n\nIt is wrong to say that emigrants are seeking for Americans to learn Spanish, we are really aware that this isn't our country, but since we came here pursuing a dream, we want to have the rights that paying taxes and contributing entitled us of.
526191
Well most ppl who are immigrating here are not following this law...my suggestion is to follow the law and want to be here and become american...if you dont want to be american dont come here...for those that will argue that southamerica is america...well dont come here then if you dont want to assimilate into OUR culture which means trying your best to learn the language...language is key to assimilaton...there are free classes at all the public schools so there is no excuse...i know its hard to learn another language but if you want to be "american" thats your best bet at being one...everything else will all fall into place if it is in ur heart.
406441
If they want to be Americans BE AMERICAN.
822179
No, they would all have to go back to school and learn it.  Let American english be the official language.
24405
It was the defacto official language in the 19th century when immegrent would say we are Americans now we will speak English.  The problem is Illegal Aliens from around the world that really don't want to be apart of the country\n\nIt should be.  Something has to bind us together as people or we will split apart.
671954
you can't just marry him cause you want to become american citizen.  You have to do the exam.  American exam on constitutio.  No our LANGUAGE.  WHICH IS ENGLISH.  then you have to obey the laws of america.  It takes up to I think 7 yrs.  to become a citizen.  If you love america you would do the right thing.  Is to do become an american citizen the right way.  Good luck to you!
532687
No, it seems that most people who work towards legal citizenship already work at learning English because they realize that is the language of this country. What it will do is allow us to stop wasting tax payer money on providing services in multiple languages for people who tend to be here illegally. Of course, it's hard to say if this will happen or if states will continue to offer bilingual education, services, etc. The new legislation does not force states to stop offering these services, it just allows them to stop if they decide to.\n\nCheers :)
430136
if it isnt your first language, and you live in america, it is important to learn english as your second language because so many every day interactions are in english. many people in this country only speak english, so you would have a tough time if you couldnt speak it-- thats why its better to learn it if you can, to help you function in social interactions.