February 18, 200719 yr http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPrint.asp?Pa ... 0214a.html Bill Would Make Grasp of English a Citizenship Requirement By Nathan Burchfiel CNSNews.com Staff Writer February 14, 2007 (CNSNews.com) - A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would designate English as the country's official language and require immigrants to learn English before becoming naturalized citizens. "English is the language of opportunity in America," the bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), said in a statement. "The best way for our newcomers to work toward their own success is through our common bond of language." King introduced the same legislation in 2005, but the bill never moved out of committee to a vote on the House floor. "Our long tradition of encouraging English fluency and avoiding a multilingual government has allowed us to forge a common identity in a land of diversity," Mauro Mujica, chairman of U.S. English, said in a statement. "Americans want this tradition to continue." Mujica said he "look forward to working with these members to grow our sponsorship ranks and educate the public on the need for a common language for government." The bill currently has 26 co-sponsors, although the number could increase over time. The last version garnered 164 co-sponsors before it died in committee. Opponents of official English legislation argue that the laws do little to promote the language. Raul Gonzalez, legislative director for the National Council of La Raza - a non-profit advocacy group for Hispanics - called the legislation "a bad solution to a problem that doesn't exist." He said many immigrants either know or want to learn English so encouraging them to learn the language through legislation will accomplish little. "Immigrants support English," Gonzalez told Cybercast News Service. "If they support it and they're on these long waiting lists [to take English classes], why do we need a coercive measure to do that?" Calling the bill the "epitome of bad policy" and "pointless," Gonzalez said pro-English legislation would increase federal funding for English classes. "People are learning English, and it's despite the fact that the government has been under-funding English programs," he said. "If Mr. King is interested in helping people learn English then he would support increased funding for these programs and he would get rid of his bill, which is pointless." A June 2006 Rasmussen poll found that 85 percent of Americans support making English the official language of the United States, but it remains a controversial issue. Earlier this week Nashville, Tenn., Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed local legislation that would have made English the city's official language, saying it would make Nashville "a less safe, less friendly and less successful city." If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. :: Guess the Movie Contest Champion: pfilc23 ::
February 18, 200719 yr Thats good, most people at fast food restaurants dont even speak english, I've actually been asked to speak spanish The world would be a whole lot better if little green men in UFO's came down to earth to abduct rednecks.
February 18, 200719 yr I like it when people speak their own language, but they should also know English as well. This used to be a rule, back in the early 20th century, why it isn't anymore I haven't the slightest clue, but I agree with this bill. Me doing staff.
February 18, 200719 yr If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. USA isn't an English nation, it was also inhabited by dutch, germans, scandinavians, italians, spaniards, irish, scottish, asian, north african... It's not self explanatory, hence the USA has no official language. Sure, it's today the most used language in the US. But it's never had legal status, just like there is no official state religion in the US.
February 18, 200719 yr If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. A zero-racism TV ad a few years back featured a Swedish comedian saying something I've considered food for thought (Roughly translated of course); "I didn't flee Turkey to become Swedish. I fled Turkey so I could continue being a kurd". It's easy enoug to apply to a fair few refugee's from all around the world. That being said, I definitely think it's beneficial for society as a whole to provide language classes in a common language, both to kids and to adult immigrants. I'm just a bit hesitant whether a law involving citizenship is really the best solution. -This message was deviously brought to you by:
February 18, 200719 yr http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPrint.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200702/POL20070214a.html Bill Would Make Grasp of English a Citizenship Requirement By Nathan Burchfiel CNSNews.com Staff Writer February 14, 2007 (CNSNews.com) - A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would designate English as the country's official language and require immigrants to learn English before becoming naturalized citizens. "English is the language of opportunity in America," the bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), said in a statement. "The best way for our newcomers to work toward their own success is through our common bond of language." King introduced the same legislation in 2005, but the bill never moved out of committee to a vote on the House floor. "Our long tradition of encouraging English fluency and avoiding a multilingual government has allowed us to forge a common identity in a land of diversity," Mauro Mujica, chairman of U.S. English, said in a statement. "Americans want this tradition to continue." Mujica said he "look forward to working with these members to grow our sponsorship ranks and educate the public on the need for a common language for government." The bill currently has 26 co-sponsors, although the number could increase over time. The last version garnered 164 co-sponsors before it died in committee. Opponents of official English legislation argue that the laws do little to promote the language. Raul Gonzalez, legislative director for the National Council of La Raza - a non-profit advocacy group for Hispanics - called the legislation "a bad solution to a problem that doesn't exist." He said many immigrants either know or want to learn English so encouraging them to learn the language through legislation will accomplish little. "Immigrants support English," Gonzalez told Cybercast News Service. "If they support it and they're on these long waiting lists [to take English classes], why do we need a coercive measure to do that?" Calling the bill the "epitome of bad policy" and "pointless," Gonzalez said pro-English legislation would increase federal funding for English classes. "People are learning English, and it's despite the fact that the government has been under-funding English programs," he said. "If Mr. King is interested in helping people learn English then he would support increased funding for these programs and he would get rid of his bill, which is pointless." A June 2006 Rasmussen poll found that 85 percent of Americans support making English the official language of the United States, but it remains a controversial issue. Earlier this week Nashville, Tenn., Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed local legislation that would have made English the city's official language, saying it would make Nashville "a less safe, less friendly and less successful city." If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. it would be better if they did fit in but if people choose to limit them selves by not learning the local language its their own decision. after all English speaking people usually donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t make an effort to fit in either when we emigrate. i know at least from a British point of view most brits that move to places like Spain donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t bother learning the language. i also find it quite funny that it is an American who believes this, because after all when it was colonized the brits didnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t fit in and so your speaking English. perhaps to add weight to your argument you should learn the old native American language and just speak in that language and set an example. lol. ~1733rd person to 99 fishing. Achived on april fools day 07 :)~
February 18, 200719 yr If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. USA isn't an English nation, it was also inhabited by dutch, germans, scandinavians, italians, spaniards, irish, scottish, asian, north african... It's not self explanatory, hence the USA has no official language. O RLY? I guess my Civics teacher must be wrong, and my sate legislature. :roll: I thought to become a citizen from another country, you had to learn basic US history, English (Spelling & writing) :?
February 18, 200719 yr after all English speaking people usually donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t make an effort to fit in either when we emigrate. i know at least from a British point of view most brits that move to places like Spain donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t bother learning the language. Got facts to back up that claim? Every person I know who has moved abroad - to live - either knew the language BEFORE the left, or learnt it within 6 months of being there. People are just lucky in the USA, where they can dump themself in a community that speaks just their language and get away with it. You'd be hard-presed to find sub-communities in countries (especially in Europe) that only speak English.
February 18, 200719 yr English is this countries main language. If you can't speak it, you shouldn't be able to be a citizen. I am not going to learn Spanish to communicate with illegal aliens in my own country. That's ridiculous, and it's becoming that way. In South Carolina, we couldn;t order food because everyone in the resturaunt only spoke Spanish. Are you kidding me? It was a freakin' Wendy's. Don't they check people at all? NOONE SPOKE ANY ENGLISH. How much business can they possibley be doing? The popularity of any given religion today depends on the victories of the wars they fought in the past. - Me!
February 18, 200719 yr Maybe we should force everyone to be christian, since it's our main religion? That is totally different. You are still free to speak other languages, but you must no English. In religion, I think you can only be one religion. Besides, they are barely the majority. Trix.--quit WoW as of 12/07Thank you 4be2jue for the wonderful sig and avatar!
February 18, 200719 yr Author Maybe we should force everyone to be christian, since it's our main religion? I know the point you're trying to make, but that is such a bad analogy. There's a major difference between language and religion. Besides, if the US doesn't do anything, all it does is cater to the illegal immigrants that jump the border annually. And I'm pretty sure half of the states have adopted English as its main language already. :: Guess the Movie Contest Champion: pfilc23 ::
February 18, 200719 yr Maybe we should force everyone to be christian, since it's our main religion? Yes but theres a huge diffrence between A language thats used in everyday life and joining the fanclub of a popular book. ~Dan64AuSince 27 Aug 2002
February 18, 200719 yr Maybe we should force everyone to be christian, since it's our main religion? Yes but theres a huge diffrence between A language thats used in everyday life and joining the fanclub of a popular book. And if your Chirstan you should read and pray every day. If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. USA isn't an English nation, it was also inhabited by dutch, germans, scandinavians, italians, spaniards, irish, scottish, asian, north african... It's not self explanatory, hence the USA has no official language. O RLY? I guess my Civics teacher must be wrong, and my sate legislature. :roll: I thought to become a citizen from another country, you had to learn basic US history, English (Spelling & writing) :? You are correct, but when becoming a citizen was legal back then they learned basic English, I mean very very basic and some history. After time they forgot about it. Unless if its the 1800s because I dont think they had to learn basic English or history. Me personally, dont see the problem with not learning English. It is a 'free' country and we're entitled to speak our own language if we wish. "The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you never hear it you'll never know what justice is."
February 18, 200719 yr americans dont speak english anyway ;p they speak "US english" (which is NOT english) babelfish - level 180 60th placestrongguy - level 173 69th place
February 18, 200719 yr they speak "US english" (which is NOT english) No. We speak American. Ghost: I am prejudice towards ignorance, so that would explain why I appear to be so.
February 18, 200719 yr Maybe we should force everyone to be christian, since it's our main religion? Yes but theres a huge diffrence between A language thats used in everyday life and joining the fanclub of a popular book. And if your Chirstan you should read and pray every day. If you're going to be a part of a nation, it's your job to fit in. USA isn't an English nation, it was also inhabited by dutch, germans, scandinavians, italians, spaniards, irish, scottish, asian, north african... It's not self explanatory, hence the USA has no official language. O RLY? I guess my Civics teacher must be wrong, and my sate legislature. :roll: I thought to become a citizen from another country, you had to learn basic US history, English (Spelling & writing) :? You are correct, but when becoming a citizen was legal back then they learned basic English, I mean very very basic and some history. After time they forgot about it. Unless if its the 1800s because I dont think they had to learn basic English or history. Me personally, dont see the problem with not learning English. It is a 'free' country and we're entitled to speak our own language if we wish. Just because you are required to learn English doesnt mean you cant speak your own language. It just means you should learn english so you can communicate with people who dont speak your language in America.
February 18, 200719 yr well, if we build a big enough wall with mexico, or attack them itll fix the problem, as really the only reason we have this problem is because of them. where i live it isnt too bad, but my grandparents live outside of chacago, and its horrible there. however, most people still speak english in the united states and i would support any law that says that. illegal aliens cant vote, so i dont see why the senate is holding back on approving this bill
February 18, 200719 yr well, if we build a big enough wall with mexico, or attack them itll fix the problem ...The future generation is disappointing.
February 18, 200719 yr Author Me personally, dont see the problem with not learning English. It is a 'free' country and we're entitled to speak our own language if we wish. Then don't bother with the citizenship? Don't be an American if you choose not to learn English. There's no point of a country if it's so unorganized because its citizens are too stubborn to learn one language. :: Guess the Movie Contest Champion: pfilc23 ::
February 18, 200719 yr Me personally, dont see the problem with not learning English. It is a 'free' country and we're entitled to speak our own language if we wish. Then don't bother with the citizenship? Don't be an American if you choose not to learn English. There's no point of a country if it's so unorganized because its citizens are too stubborn to learn one language. People come to America to get a better life and get a job, NOT to become American patriots. :roll: "The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you never hear it you'll never know what justice is."
February 18, 200719 yr America would be nowhere without it's immigrant workers and mishmash of cultures. However, they probably should speak the English language to be allowed in. With so many trees in the city you could see the spring coming each day until a night of warm wind would bring it suddenly in one morning. Sometimes the heavy cold rains would beat it back so that it would seem that it would never come and that you were losing a season out of your life. But you knew that there would always be the spring as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person had died for no reason. In those days though the spring always came finally but it was frightening that it had nearly failed.
February 18, 200719 yr Author People come to America to get a better life and get a job, NOT to become American patriots. :roll: You can get a better life and get a job without needing citizenship. Are you stupid? :: Guess the Movie Contest Champion: pfilc23 ::
February 18, 200719 yr People come to America to get a better life and get a job, NOT to become American patriots. :roll: You can get a better life and get a job without needing citizenship. Are you stupid? But then they'll might catch you and send you back to your country. "The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you never hear it you'll never know what justice is."
February 18, 200719 yr Author http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Sta ... ident_Card :: Guess the Movie Contest Champion: pfilc23 ::
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