San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial

Helping immigrants

Measure would encourage assimilation by newcomers

2:00 a.m. July 27, 2009

If you ask Americans what bothers them about illegal immigration, somewhere near the top of the list, you'll find the persistent concern among many that illegal immigrants aren't assimilating fast enough. There are many people who believe that immigrants in general – illegal or not -- aren't blending into American society as did previous waves of newcomers.

That's one reason why, as Congress gets ready to restart the immigration reform debate after Labor Day, there needs to be much more emphasis on the role that illegal immigrants have to play in any possible reform effort.

In fact, it's hard to imagine how we could achieve reform if immigrants don't step up to the plate and do their part to improve their own lives.

We always talk about how it's the responsibility of Congress to fix a broken system, and that is certainly the case. And we always talk about how it's the obligation of Americans to preserve the integrity of our laws by not hiring illegal immigrants, and that is certainly true. But, let's not forget, along the way, that the ultimate responsibility lies with the immigrants themselves to learn English, take the steps to legalize their status, become citizens and engage in the civic process. It's the right thing to do, and it will ultimately benefit both the country and the immigrants.

Government should support the process whenever it can. That's the spirit behind a bill in Congress proposed by Rep. Mike Honda, D-Santa Clara, which seeks to encourage the assimilation and integration of immigrants.

The Strengthen and Unite Communities with Civics Education and English Skills Act of 2009 would provide additional funding for English and civics classes and tax incentives for businesses that offer such services. In the Senate, Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., have co-sponsored a companion bill. It seems tailor-made for those who think that immigrants should do more to blend into their surroundings instead of demanding that their surroundings change to accommodate them.

Legislation like this is a step in the right direction and a valuable contribution to the immigration reform dialogue. It is also a symbolic reminder that, when one decides to come to the United States, they enter -- whether they realize it or not -- into a bargain to adopt the culture, obey the laws, learn the language, and become engaged in society.

That's how it always has been, and how it has to be.

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