English Only: Press No - Editorial in Los Angeles Times - Article Example

Making English compulsory would help new immigrants assimilate into American culture faster than they normally would. Also, the country would be united under one common language instead of having many different racial groups keeping to themselves. Although proponents of English becoming the official language of the United States would say that it helps to unite a diverse group of people, the action of making English the only language to be officially used in the United States would only turn immigrants against native English speakers.

Although forcing new immigrants to only use English would help them adapt to American culture better, it would also take away from their own culture. Many speakers of other languages have no use to learn English because they can get by with speaking their own language. This then weakens American culture because the culture is splintered off in many different directions. However, America has always embraced new immigrants and what they have to offer this country, so taking away their unique culture does not help improve America.

In fact, it takes away from their culture and would only seek to serve Americans who have already lived here. Despite the fact that the melting pot of cultures in American would be united if English became the official language, forcing people to use a language that they are not comfortable with would only make them resent the United States and the English language. The guest editorial in the Los Angeles Times refers to a bill sponsored by the Republican representative for Iowa, Steve King, who says that “English is a unifying force in a multiethnic, multireligious democracy” (“English Only?

Press ‘no’” 2011). It cannot be denied that English binds the United States together. However, one of the greatest things about American society is the freedom to choose, and making immigrants speak English goes against this and the constitution. Also, according to the editorial citizens with weak English skills would struggle to find a place in society (“English Only? Press ‘no’” 2011). Making English the official language of the United States would have its benefits, but more importantly, it would turn new immigrants off American culture.

American has always been a nation of immigrants and has embraced them for what they bring to the table, so it makes no sense to make them conform to a singular language. If this action was taken then new immigrants would not assimilate into American society because they would not identify with it.