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Immigration reform: the need for upholding our national language
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With the most expansive immigration and naturalization overhaul in the past 40 years languishing in Congress, it is worth pausing to reflect on the wise words of Alexis de Tocqueville: "The tie of language is perhaps the strongest and the most durable that can unite mankind."
Lost in the immigration reform talk is a declaration of English as our national language in both principle and practice.
A common-sense amendment offered by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., would give every senator the opportunity to affirm the importance of declaring, preserving and enhancing the role of the English language in the United States.
American history shows the nation's remarkable resiliency in forging "Out of Many, One."
As opposed to other countries, where geography and racial composition are requisites for citizenship, the United States is rooted in a conscription of ideas, among them are equality, liberty, democracy, freedom of religion and self-government.
The United States affords people of any creed or color the opportunity to become Americans.
Former President Ronald Reagan once remarked that someone could spend an entire lifetime in China, speak fluent Chinese, follow Chinese customs and yet never truly be Chinese.
Critical to that success has been the role of a unifying and singular language. The ability to converse, interact, trade and communicate in a common language is key in order for newcomers to assimilate into the nation's unique fabric and become active participants in - and valuable contributors to - society.
History is scattered with examples of newcomers who at first resisted learning a new language, only to realize that without a firm understanding of English, the American dream is effectively out of reach.
Unlike the past, however, when language assimilation was strongly encouraged, multilingualism is now more promoted. The problem is that multilingualism leads to separatism, which works against assimilation. The facts are staggering:
• One in 25 American households are linguistically isolated, meaning that no one in the household older than age 14 can speak English.
• 21.3 million Americans are classified as "limited English proficient," a 52 percent increase from 1990 and more than double the 1980 total.
• The total annual cost for the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide language services is $2.2 million. Providing the same level of DMV translation services nationwide would cost approximately $8.5 million per year.
Beyond the fiscal and bureaucratic nightmare of multilingualism is the inherent danger of driving a spike between English- and non-English-speaking citizens.
Immigration tests the bonds of country and citizenship unlike any other force because it involves a fundamental change of allegiance.
A common language is the best way to ensure assimilation among the citizenry; it assuages concerns and sets forth a unifying medium for immigrants and new citizens to pursue happiness and prosperity. In return, assimilation encourages patriotism and a deeper appreciation for the community and homeland.
Legislators must rise above the simple rhetoric of purporting the significance of a common language, and mandate the use of English in all federal functions and capacities.
Sen. Inhofe's amendment establishes that " . . . no person has a right, entitlement or claim to have the government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English . . . ."
This does not necessarily require that English be the official or exclusive language of the nation. But it does mean that English needs to be the primary and authoritative language, particularly in public and political discourse, as well as the laws, records and proceedings of government.
In contrast, the Senate's immigration proposal would have codified Clinton Executive Order 13166, which requires the government to provide services in any language on demand. This policy discourages immigrants from learning English by effectively requiring official multilingualism.
The empirical data in favor of English immersion - the opposite of multilingualism - are overwhelming, with even its most vociferous opponents conceding its merits.
Among them is Ken Noon, the founder of the California Association of Bilingual Educators.
Two years after leading the march against Proposition 227 (ending bilingual education), he stated, "I thought it would hurt kids. The exact reverse occurred, totally unexpected by me. The kids began to learn - not pick up, but learn - formal English, oral and written, far more quickly than I thought they could."
Simply encouraging someone to learn English is not enough. Immigration reform is a good vehicle to give teeth to the long-held notion that English is the "unofficial" language of the land.
If legislators are serious about fashioning one out of many, then a unifying language requirement is both sensible and necessary.
Americans must demand that their legislators act on the principle described by Alexis de Tocqueville as "the strongest and the most durable that can unite mankind."
Matthew Spalding is director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies at The Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org). Israel Ortega is senior media associate at The Heritage Foundation.
I was also going to suggest to you to do some research/investigating on Canada before spouting off with your opinion---as you have no clue what you are talking about. While your at it----do some research on Australia, France, Denmark, etc. as well.
First, Canada does not allow automatic citizenship (anchor baby citizenship) if a baby is born on Canadian soil and the parents are not legal citizens of Canada. The children are quickly and easily deported right along with the illegal parents.
Second, all LEGAL immigration into Canada is based on the merit system and points----language, skills, education, Canadian sponsors, potential employment, etc.
Third, Canada does not use any type of chain migration. Again, all LEGAL immigration into Canada is based on the merit system and points as I described above.
Here is how much the Canadians love illegals!!
Manhunt continues for two illegal Mexican immigrants Kerry Williamson,
CanWest News Service
Published: Friday, July 27, 2007
"WATERTON, Alta. -- Three Mexican citizens caught sneaking across the Canada-U.S. border had designs on working illegally in this country so they could send money home to their families.
However, for two of them, at least, their decision to enter Canada unlawfully will see them deported back to their homeland, while a third will be detained in Calgary until his fate is decided.
And two of their friends remain loose in the wilds near the border, possibly still in the path of a surging wildfire, grizzlies, black bears and cougars.
Gabriel Gonzalez-Valdiva, 30, and Sergio Solis-Juarez, 28, will likely be sent back to Mexico within a week after an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator signed their removal orders at a hearing in Calgary Thursday afternoon.
Canada Border Services Agency hearings officer Natalie Holden told the hearing the pair had wanted to work illegally in Canada.
"What we would really like is if you would allow us to work here so we could send some money to our home," said Gonzalez-Valdiva. "We want to know what you will do with us - are you going to leave us or are you going to keep us locked up?"
The pair, along with 41-year-old friend Abel Delgado, will be detained at the Calgary Remand Centre for seven days, unless they are sent home earlier."
Entire article through link.........
http://forum.minutemanhq.com/phpBB2/privmsg.php?folder=inbox&mode=read&p=19849
It's only Mexico and their constant, never-ending pushing and prodding to allow millions of the peasants into our nation, peasants who are mostly poorly educated, low skill and lacking in much interest in education and in assimilating to American customs, traditions and standards. They prefer to live like most of Mexico- that is, with semi-official legality, lawlessness, high corruption, etc.
And thanks to lack of will by US politicians and many Americans, all that is coming to our country thanks to non-enforcment of immigration laws.
Worth noting is that such an official language measure only means the government will stop serving some people. The private sector knows better--much better--than to do this.
Unless, of course, some bill is passed saying that, in the course of commerce, I can use no language but English, which will effect another bill in the form of a punch in the nose to whoever introduces it.