Should people who want to become American citizens have to pass an English proficiency test?
367365
greenpeacein79 has a valid point...  America does not have an 'official' language.\n\nIn the early days of the formation of this country, when it came time for our forefathers to write the documents that would lay the foundations of our sovereignty, English beat out German as the language of choice BY ONLY ONE VOTE.\n\nThat said, English is the predominant language used in the U.S., and the language in which all of this country's laws are written.\n\nFurthermore, anybody who wants to be economically viable in the global market, at least at this point in history, needs some command of the English language, it's that simple:  It's not an opinion, it's not a theory...\n\nIt's just a f*****g fact of life,... so get used to it.
582748
This one thing is will become a HUGE issue in the future if not put in check, but I don't think anyone would be fined -- just not accommodated quite so significantly.\n\nIf we don't get this under control, English will become a secondary language.  We will then be putting our own aging and elderly people in the position of having to, at an advanced age, learn a new language to even survive in their own country where they've paid into the system for many decades.   We won't be able to get jobs ourselves unless we speak the other language.  We will be displaced, so to speak, in our own country where we've paid taxes our entire adult lives.  Can you imagine having your car break down, but you can't get any help because no one you encounter even speaks your language in your own country (check areas in and around Miami, people!!!)\n\nIf English (hopefully) becomes passed as the "official language" it would mean that government, business and education would be conducted in ENGLISH.  DMV and voting materials SHOULD be done in ENGLISH (if you can't read & understand English then how can you vote or pass a drivers test???)  Schools will be taugh in ENGLISH (with potentially English-proficiency classes to get non-natives up to speed).  People will all have to learn to speak the common language.  For personal annoyances, we should no longer have to pay for foreign-language channels on basic cable -- put that on a separate tier!  No more Spanish "menues" when you call a business and go into automated hell.  Environmentally, it would be beneficial because instructions booklets, leaflets, etc. that are now printed in multiple languages would be printed in one language, therefore using less paper.  I could go on and on, but just think about it.  There's a HUGE benefit to it all the way around, including simply annoying each other less by being able to communicate more effectively.  The non-acclimation point of the illegal immigrants is a HUGE factor in the anger and frustration directed toward them -- and they will have to make changes to address this!
512653
I'm completely on the side of the Mexican and South American people to gain citizenship, and , oddly enough , I think requiring a stint in the armed forces is an excellent idea. It provides employment, educational opportunity, and yes, a test of loyalty to the United States.\n\nMany countries REQUIRE their own male citizens to spend at least 3 years in armed service for their country, and have for centuries.
1095224
They should pass whatever tests required by your state
214047
Hispanic immigrants already are required to have basic English skills before they can receive citizenship.  During the citizenship testing process, they have to read a sentence aloud in English.
687337
Your english is very good, as for I.Q who knows, but I do understand the immigration is taking in alot of proffesions these days..I also understand they are talking about a test you have to pass..Good luck
1058657
It depends on the circumstances, such as the applicants age, but the english test and a few oral questions concerning civics is the least one can expect.  A lot also depends on the examiner, if they suspect the validity of the marrage they will be more likely to scrutinize the candiate.  They get permanent residency fairly easily, but they don't get citizenship without some questions, and the entire interview is conducted in English.
613760
If you would like to ultimately become an American,you should try to legally migrate to the US.
122471
no.. you have to be an american by birth, in the united states.. besides would you want an israili or packistani in the oval office???  HELLO..
828089
Here is a helpful link. Good luck!!\n\nhttp://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/citizenship_test.html
763530
It should be mandatory in order to prove your sincerety. Assimilate or get lost... You wanna have a better life ??? PROVE IT !!!!! What a great idea.... Solves so many problems simply !!! Those sincere should be afforded the express lane( citizenship ) for their willingness to support their new home. No more than right !!! Those that disappear when the announcement is made, well, we pretty much know where they are coming from...Forget the wall, we would no longer need it.....
992061
It is a privilege to be a United States citizen and the official language of a US citizen is English. If your mother truly wanted to become a citizen she has had the last 15 years to learn English and unless she is incompetent she should would have learned the language if she wanted to. I understand this is your mother and I would be upset if someone talked down about my mother but you are wanting to bend the rules for yet another immigrant. I think even to live here you should know English because I'm tired of going somewhere and everything is written in 3 or 4 languages, it's ridiculous. Invest some time and money into her so she can learn the language, you obviously speak the language so you and everyone else have just been enabling her not to learn the language by continually translating everything for her. When I learned Spanish, why you may ask because I was going to Mexico and they shouldn't have to speak English for me (what a concept learn the language of the country you are going to and not expect people of that county to cater you) back on track in my Spanish class a single English word could not be uttered it was full submersion. Quit speaking the native language to her and force her to learn English if becoming a citizen is what she wants to do she'll learn.
590538
No. I am all for more stringent Exit exams in this country. Perhaps then our students would be forced to learn a thing or two to graduate, instead of coasting by and only learning when they choose to.\n\nIf there is a language problem, make tests in more than one language. (unless English ever gets recognized as the official national language I don't have a problem with that)\n\nThere is no way to convince me that poor people can't pass a test. Poor people are every bit as smart (or stupid) as rich people.
775757
you need to be a U.S. citizen to get a U.S. passport.
855664
Yes, and furthermore, since the USA has no declared official language, I also think all American students should take it...right along with their SATs and ASVABs
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.
322774
Hmmmm ...can you take the test in Spanish? :)  Because I very much doubt if our new potential citizens could be bothered learning enough English to understand the questions ....