Doug Farrow: English defines America, so require immigrants to master it
How many times have you heard “We’re a nation of immigrants”? Is that good? It’s just a fact. Seems noble, but that makes no sense.
Fact is, immigration is simply a perpetual problem because everybody has their own answer. “I want people who look like me, sound like me, share my religion, share my politics and who will respect me.” Ahh, the impossible dream.
The only way to share a common denominator that carries no prejudices is only admit immigrants who can pass a test of reading, writing and speaking English. Then to get a “permanent resident green card” must pass an “intermediate” test of the 3Rs. To earn citizenship, and be issued a U.S. passport, they should show fluency in English. Just wanting to be here is not enough. We don’t need more people.
Considering most immigrants and indigents spoke various languages, our mixture is only getting worse. An English requirement would slow things down, improve vetting without prejudice, encourage earning admission and help assimilation. People born here do not have to earn citizenship; it is a birthright. Every resident should speak English. That’s who we are.
Doug Farrow, Modesto
This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Doug Farrow: English defines America, so require immigrants to master it."