Why don't minorities/immigrant learn English before they move to the U.S.?

This is america. We speak English. You either speak it, or you don't. If you do, you're accepted. If you don't, learn it, like the legal immigrants had to do (including both of my grandparents) or there's no reason for you to be here. I agree with you completely.

Perhaps they don't have the time or opportunity to learn. Also, Spanish is much easier to learn than english, and people should be glad they get the opportunity to learn a foreign language in the first place. Spanish is already the second most spoken language in the United states so quite frankly it isn't that difficult for a spanish speaker to make their way in the US. I'm not say that illegal immigrants should all come rushing over and that immigrants in general have no need to learn english, but it's not so incredibly absurd for them to get by in a country where spanish is everywhere.

Well, they do have to learn some English language & American history to become an American citizen. I work with physicists from China who all speak better English than the redneck secretaries that work for them. The immigrants you encounter probably come here with a weaker grasp of their own language. We Americans are generous (Give me your tired and your poor) and I'm proud of that. It's also why I volunteer teaching foreigners how to write better English papers.

One of my former co-workers was an immigrant from Cuba. He was 35 years old when he moved to the United States, and when he arrived, he didn't speak a word of English. Two years later, he was very fluent. He worked his butt off to make sure he learned English, and he did a great job of it.

I think it's okay for them to move her without speaking English, but it should be a requirement for citizenship. I also think it should be encouraged to learn.

@ It's me: How do you like living in Bahrain? I was there for 3 days last year. I loved it!! I also happen to like the UAE. They have some serious money out there.

I dont see the problem. It would be nice living in a bilingual country. You dont have to worry, English wont be replaced. It is the most widely spoken language for international business. Also the 2nd generation always learns English so it doesnt really matter.

If you are including all the Italians,Greek and other Europeans that never bothered to learn the language then you have a valid point .

If you are only pointing to the Mexicans and Spanish then you are being selective or prejudice not sure which.

How many languages do you know, brainstein? It takes on average 7 years to learn one fluently. I can do Latin, Japanese, and a little Spanish. I can tell you that it isn't easy.

No one has to learn English here. When you visit France, will you be able to get water or a bathroom?

Because it's really hard. Some people simply don't have the capacity to be fluent in another language. Not to mention English is ridiculously hard to learn.

Yes if I was going to a different country I would learn the language even if 90%+ of the population knew English. If you are going to a different country its your responsibility to adapt.

Most American's can't speak more than one language, English. but they expect everyone else to speak their language.

most immigrants speak/know 3-4 languages

Yes, I agree, people should make every effort to learn the "Main" language of it's respective nation once they arrive there or prior to if they could afford it...