Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 12147 Location: North Virginia, USA
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:21 pm Post subject:
Blond Adult Girl wrote:
Amnesia wrote:
Dont people have to pass an English test in order to get US citizenship? Or am I mistaken?
I'm pretty sure they don't have to, but I can't confirm that.
Hey Elliot, what do you know about this? I always though that immigrants weren't required to learn English, but i could be wrong.
well, I'm going to assume that we're talking about an immigrant with no US citizen parents, which naturally narrows it down to naturalization.
this means becoming a legal resident in the US for at least 5 years, with no continuous visit to foreign nations exceeding 6 months. they need to be able to demonstrate they are of "person of good moral character" (whatever that means) and have to be able to pass a test on US history and government, which ostensibly requires working knowledge of the English language.
Of course, it's not like they're going to sit there and administer an English grammar test. (really though, if they did, half of the US citizens would probably fail anyway.) But some of the questions are phrased to be easy to understand.
The only exception to the language requirement is when the citizen is of extremely old age or they have some sort of mental disability that might prevent them from taking the test.
So, from a naturalization stand point, becoming a citizen DOES require you learn English.
Now, as for just being here in the US? not really.
This does not, however, prevent a US citizen born to foreign nationals within the US from being illiterate with the English language. I have met a number of Chinese kids in Chinatown in NYC that have a minimal working knowledge of English. It's kind of sad when you consider the fact that they actually GREW UP HERE.
Joined: 02 Apr 2005 Posts: 3110 Location: East Europe
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:56 pm Post subject:
Blond Adult Girl wrote:
Amnesia wrote:
Blond Adult Girl wrote:
Amnesia wrote:
What do you do for legs?
Lunges, leg presses and curls, and some squating.
Woah... you're more hard core than I thought
I just want to stay good looking for as long as possible.
Among other things, thats why i don't smoke, drink, or do other drugs.
You don't do that stuff, do you Amnesia?
I can't if I expect to keep looking like the form in my avatar. But if it would make you think any less of me, then I can always make something up just for you .
Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 233 Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:59 pm Post subject:
frosty wrote:
THAT_GUEST wrote:
Everywhere I go, English is the language spoken. If I am going to go somewhere that it isn't, you can believe I am going to learn to speak the native language. So why is it, here in the states, we are expected to learn every new language to accomodate some group that refuses to learn English, but want all the Constitutional protections offered citizens?
If they don't know the language, they would not be given citizenship, and they would have one year to have a solid grasp on the basics, and three years of classes before final application can be made for citizenship. It would be like parole, they would have to attend mandatroy meetings to review their work status, present verifiable address, references, and proof of ongoing language and writing lessons. A score of 90% or better cumulative would be required for citizenship, or out they go!
I'm probably missing something here - I'm not an American and haven't yet been there - but it seems like you have a pretty massive Spanish speaking population. They're there and they're not going away - they're surely no less a part of your nation than French speaking Canadians are a part of theirs. I'm not sure why all this irks you. Who is forceably teaching you Spanish?
There are a couple differences here. Primarily, few people here who speak English as their first language speak Spanish. This creates the semblance of an underclass that is entirely separated culturally and linguistically from the rest of the country. Secondly, even the French-speaking Canadians are itching for unity and there has always been a large minority (25 - 50%) that support separation from Canada. Fact is, a bilingual society is inherently weaker and more prone to strife than a linguistically unified one.
I just want to stay good looking for as long as possible.
Among other things, thats why i don't smoke, drink, or do other drugs.
You don't do that stuff, do you Amnesia?
I can't if I expect to keep looking like the form in my avatar. But if it would make you think any less of me, then I can always make something up just for you .
Site Map
FAQ
Usergroups
Search
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
Register
My Profile Space
. When is the last time you went to the gym BAG?
