The whole idea was for America to be a “melting pot” where people of all nations and cultures could come together to form a new culture. A good idea, but it doesn’t work in the real world. Many cultures don’t get along with other cultures, and how do we get two people who hated each other back on the old country to like each other now that they live in the new world?
So yes, we need to set some criteria for people who want to be United States. If you’re going to become a United States Citizen, you have to leave your homeland completely behind: its policies, its values and its language. Practice your own customs in your home, but in public you should act like one of us. And if you’re going to interact in our work places and participate in our discussions and debates, then you need to learn our language.
That’s where I part with my fellow liberals. I believe the United States should have an official language, and by default, that language should be English, or rather, American. I’m not saying that people aren’t entitled to have their own languages and customs, and in private company they can speak any language they please. But in public exchanges, there needs to be a common ground, especially if these people want themselves to be heard. I mean, if you’re not going to speak in a language I can understand, why should I listen to you?
We shouldn’t give someone citizenship automatically just because they marry one of us. Too many people use that trick to sidestep the naturalization process, and I’ve seen at least one serviceman, an ex-marine buddy of mine, get hurt when they didn’t realize their Korean fiancée was just looking for an easy ticket stateside.
In order to become a citizen, a prospective candidate should first pass a battery of tests covering U.S. History and Government, as well as ability to understand English. Then they should have a sponsor over the age of 18 who is either a natural-born citizen or naturalized for more than, say, ten years. The sponsor will be responsible for attesting to the candidate’s character and fitness to be a United States Citizen, and will stand beside the applicant when they take the Oath of Citizenship.
Persons caught residing in the country illegally should be presented with two options: either go home, or apply for citizenship like any other immigrant.
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