Thread: Failure Of Immigrants To Assimilate Spells Trouble

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs. ... 0770222122 -


Failure of immigrants to assimilate spells trouble


by Andrew Dunn, Guest opinion


published February 23, 2007 12:15 am


Read all 15 comments »

Legalized segregation was one of the worst chapters in American history. It contradicted those great words, “We the people” found in our Constitution. Now, 40 years after the civil-rights movement, a new form of segregation is rearing its ugly head.

“Press one for English.” “Habla espanol, la prensa dos” is just one of the consequences of illegal immigration. American retail, clergy and even our local governments have increasingly caved-in to the demands of intolerant political-correctness. Bilingual defenders claim they’re helping new Americans fit into society. Nothing could be further from the truth! First of all, they’re discriminating against immigrants from non-Spanish speaking countries. Second, they’re discouraging Spanish-speakers from assimilating into the great American melting pot, and therefore, condemning them to a limited future.


Millions of immigrants —legal immigrants — came to the U.S. in the early 20th century. They spoke diverse languages such as Russian, Polish, Yiddish and, yes, Spanish, too. They didn’t speak English, but by immersing themselves into American society, they learned the language, rose up the economic ladder and realized the American dream.

African-Americans were brought to America against their will. No one reached out to them by learning African languages. So, they had to learn English on their own. After emancipation, the ability to communicate with their fellow citizens enabled African-American communities to grow, prosper and ultimately realize the American dream.

After the Vietnam War, thousands of Southeast Asians fled the tyranny of communism for a new life in America. Few of them spoke English, and even fewer Americans spoke their languages. So once again, these new Americans, like all the others before them, immersed themselves into the English language and realized the American dream.

Now Americans are being told to accept a new wave of illegal immigration — on the illegal immigrants’ terms. Those of us who dare object are slandered as “racists” and criticized for our patriotism. What an insult to all the immigrants that came here legally, wanting nothing more than to become an American citizen!

The history of the world is paved with the tombstones of segregated societies: Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, the Ottoman Empire and the Soviet Union are prime examples of Balkanized countries that paid the ultimate price. Last year, un-assimilated French Muslims rioted and torched dozens of cities.

Closer to home, the bilingual Canadian province of Quebec has seen its economic prosperity wane following a divisive secession movement.

Understanding the English language is the key to success in America. That’s how you interview for a better job, apply for a mortgage, earn a higher degree and, most importantly, communicate with your fellow citizens. But the recent demands to let illegal, Spanish-speaking aliens “do their own thing” is having a negative impact.

All across America, public school teachers struggle to communicate with the children of illegal immigrants, while trying to give a solid education to American students. Sick Americans wait hours in emergency rooms while frustrated doctors and nurses try to diagnose illegal immigrants who can’t communicate. American citizens watch foreign flags hoisted over the Stars and Stripes in contempt.

Those same polls that showed the Republicans losing Congress also showed (by an overwhelming margin) that the American people do not want open borders or President Bush’s guest-worker/amnesty program.

Our newly elected senators and representatives would be wise to do what their predecessors did not: seal the borders and defeat all guest worker/amnesty legislation!

Andrew Dunn is a marketing and public relations professional. He is a member of Eagle Forum, The Heritage Foundation and The Action Club. A North Carolina native, Andrew lives in Asheville.

Now Americans are being told to accept a new wave of illegal immigration — on the illegal immigrants’ terms. Those of us who dare object are slandered as “racists” and criticized for our patriotism. What an insult to all the immigrants that came here legally, wanting nothing more than to become an American citizen!

I agree, Patriotism is not RACISM!