SSG Jason Cherry 304995 <div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-12496"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fshould-the-united-states-designate-english-as-the-official-language-and-make-it-a-requirement-for-citizenship%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Should+the+United+States+designate+English+as+the+official+language+and+make+it+a+requirement+for+citizenship%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fshould-the-united-states-designate-english-as-the-official-language-and-make-it-a-requirement-for-citizenship&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AShould the United States designate English as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-the-united-states-designate-english-as-the-official-language-and-make-it-a-requirement-for-citizenship" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="2ac16006089fe6d419f94ebf8a07c5b7" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/496/for_gallery_v2/Should_the_United_States_designate_English_as_the_official_language_and_make_it_a_requirement_for_citizenship__.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/496/large_v3/Should_the_United_States_designate_English_as_the_official_language_and_make_it_a_requirement_for_citizenship__.jpg" alt="Should the united states designate english as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship " /></a></div></div>Currently the United States does not have an official language. Individual states have official languages, but there is not one for the nation. <br /><br />Many countries require not only that you know the history of the nation, the government of the nation, and how the system of laws works, but also that you can read/write/speak in order to function in day to day life.<br /><br />Please select a response and leave a comment supporting your stance. Should the United States designate English as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship? 2014-11-01T11:53:33-04:00 SSG Jason Cherry 304995 <div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-12496"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fshould-the-united-states-designate-english-as-the-official-language-and-make-it-a-requirement-for-citizenship%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Should+the+United+States+designate+English+as+the+official+language+and+make+it+a+requirement+for+citizenship%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fshould-the-united-states-designate-english-as-the-official-language-and-make-it-a-requirement-for-citizenship&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AShould the United States designate English as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-the-united-states-designate-english-as-the-official-language-and-make-it-a-requirement-for-citizenship" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="14469e7c81f34fa1a37d85eff740c48c" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/496/for_gallery_v2/Should_the_United_States_designate_English_as_the_official_language_and_make_it_a_requirement_for_citizenship__.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/496/large_v3/Should_the_United_States_designate_English_as_the_official_language_and_make_it_a_requirement_for_citizenship__.jpg" alt="Should the united states designate english as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship " /></a></div></div>Currently the United States does not have an official language. Individual states have official languages, but there is not one for the nation. <br /><br />Many countries require not only that you know the history of the nation, the government of the nation, and how the system of laws works, but also that you can read/write/speak in order to function in day to day life.<br /><br />Please select a response and leave a comment supporting your stance. Should the United States designate English as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship? 2014-11-01T11:53:33-04:00 2014-11-01T11:53:33-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 305005 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Current requirement for US Citizenship by naturalization: The ability to read, write and speak ordinary English unless they are physically unable to do so due to a disability such as being blind or deaf, or suffer from a developmental disability or mental impairment. Those over 50 years old on the date of filing who have lived here for a total of at least 20 years after admission as a permanent resident and those who are over 55 and have been legal permanent residents for at least 15 years are also exempt from this requirement.<br /><br />So, that's already done. The designation as an official language really amounts to little more than wallpaper. Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 11:56 AM 2014-11-01T11:56:00-04:00 2014-11-01T11:56:00-04:00 SGM Matthew Quick 305035 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>How many people born and raised in the United States actually know the &quot;history of the nation, the government of the nation, and how the system of laws works, but also that you can read/write/speak in order to function in day to day life.&quot; Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 1 at 2014 12:16 PM 2014-11-01T12:16:09-04:00 2014-11-01T12:16:09-04:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 305047 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes it damned well should be, as a nation we have used the English language since our founding, on top of that if we were to move to and desire to become a citizen of a different nation we would be required to learn the language even while trying to attain that citizenship...just sayin... Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 1 at 2014 12:19 PM 2014-11-01T12:19:52-04:00 2014-11-01T12:19:52-04:00 MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 305048 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is a touchy subject but I say yes. English has become a de facto global standard not because you have us and GB who speak it, but more from, dare I say, our combined arrogance. Everywhere we go people speak English because they know we are behind in learning secondary languages. Many countries teach English starting in grade school and have a high fluency rate compared to US students in other foreign languages. Spanish, Italian and French are probably the 3 most offered languages in middle &amp; high school but are not required. Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 1 at 2014 12:19 PM 2014-11-01T12:19:55-04:00 2014-11-01T12:19:55-04:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 305072 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great question, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="407123" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/407123-ssg-jason-cherry">SSG Jason Cherry</a>! My answer is yes ... YES! We used to be known as the great melting pot of the world, and the English language was part of what made that work, what made people proud to be Americans. My grandfather came here from Poland, and while he continued to speak Polish, he did his best to learn English and CERTAINLY did NOT ask that the government print forms, election ballots, etc., in Polish because it was his first language. He struggled with it because he didn&#39;t have much education, but he spoke English.<br /><br />And now we&#39;re pressing &quot;1&quot; for English, which is just plain sad - both for our country and for the immigrants who won&#39;t put in the effort to learn our language. Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 12:28 PM 2014-11-01T12:28:53-04:00 2014-11-01T12:28:53-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 305160 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I voted yes, with a stipulation that all current citizens to include the native born be held to the same standard as the incoming immigrants and have to take the same tests. It pains me to the core when i hear someone speak ill of an immigrant when they are poorly versed in their own country&#39;s history and laws. Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 12:54 PM 2014-11-01T12:54:53-04:00 2014-11-01T12:54:53-04:00 1SG Steven Stankovich 305168 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>English is the official language for NATO. All 28 members who send service members to a NATO billet must be able to converse in English. That little bit of trivia may not have any relevance to the question of this post, but I thought it was a "fun fact." Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 1 at 2014 12:59 PM 2014-11-01T12:59:11-04:00 2014-11-01T12:59:11-04:00 SFC W Michael 305199 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely not. One of the great things about America is the proud history of so many cultures. It is this inclusion that makes us so much more than many countries. By adopting &quot;official&quot; languages and the like we suppress the enrichment of our history and culture. <br />There are already plenty of laws that require English such as air traffic control and interstate trucking. I don&#39;t think we need to add to that Response by SFC W Michael made Nov 1 at 2014 1:17 PM 2014-11-01T13:17:46-04:00 2014-11-01T13:17:46-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 305224 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely, a immigrant should at the very least know how to speak English before being granted residency. Residents testing for Naturalization should be fluent in reading, writing and their ability to articulate the English language. We spend too much tax payer dollars to cater to people that want the rights and benifits assocoated with being here in the United States that do not want to assimilate to our way of life. With the threats we face today I believe that it should be illegal to speak any other language in the United States other then English. <br /><br />Speaking any other language should be outlawed and subject to criminal prosecution. If you do not like what I have to say my wife of 11 year's is from Mexico. She does not speak Spanish anywhere othe then in the house. She took my name and as proud as she is of where she came from our children who also no how to speak Spanish only do so at home. My wife will be the first one to tell you that she is now American and loves our country!<br /><br />We went through the immigration process which took 6 years!<br /><br />I believe no one should forget where they came from or not be proud of their heritage. But, I feel here in the United States we all should speak English and live as Americans do proud of our red, white and blue...one more thing...I speak Spanish fluently and will tell anyone that in Mexico a place that I have spent a lot of time in that once you get past the boarder area there are no signs in English on the Coata or Libre...no one speaks English and the government in other country's don't cater to people who are not from there...Speak English! Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 1:28 PM 2014-11-01T13:28:03-04:00 2014-11-01T13:28:03-04:00 SFC Melker Johansson 305291 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think they should make Navajo the official language. Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Nov 1 at 2014 2:09 PM 2014-11-01T14:09:05-04:00 2014-11-01T14:09:05-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 305331 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Please don&#39;t make it Japanese. I&#39;m dying here! Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 1 at 2014 2:30 PM 2014-11-01T14:30:42-04:00 2014-11-01T14:30:42-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 305366 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 2:50 PM 2014-11-01T14:50:22-04:00 2014-11-01T14:50:22-04:00 SSG Tim Everett 305410 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote no. Before you slap a thumbs-down on me, allow me a brief moment to explain WHY, then make your decision.<br /><br />I vote no because the problem isn&#39;t people who don&#39;t know English. That won&#39;t resolve any issues at all. The problem is that our immigration policies are BS, our policy on handling illegal immigrants is BS, and our public education system is a f***ing mess. Our students should be learning the unbiased, unvarnished, often-ugly truth about the history of our nation. They should understand how our government (doesn&#39;t) work. They should understand about our laws.<br /><br />To me, this is like trying to put the cart before the horse. How about we fix the problems that this doesn&#39;t even begin to address, first? Then we can worry about a national language. Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 1 at 2014 3:15 PM 2014-11-01T15:15:21-04:00 2014-11-01T15:15:21-04:00 MSG Greg Murry 305418 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From USCIS:<br /><br />The Naturalization Test<br /><br />To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.English Language <br /><br />Exemptions<br />You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:<br /><br />Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).<br />OR<br />Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).<br />Note:<br /><br />Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test. <br />You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.<br />If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.<br />Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.<br />If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement. Response by MSG Greg Murry made Nov 1 at 2014 3:19 PM 2014-11-01T15:19:07-04:00 2014-11-01T15:19:07-04:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 305423 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="8144" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/8144-sfc-william-swartz-jr">SFC William Swartz Jr</a> Excellent!!! And you are correct. Pandora's Box has been opened Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 3:20 PM 2014-11-01T15:20:58-04:00 2014-11-01T15:20:58-04:00 PO2 Jonathan Scharff 305696 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I absolutely believe that immigrants should be required to learn the English language. In my experience allowing so many immigrants to not be required to learn English is just another example of people attempting to keep others down. This is just another systematic example of those in power repressing those who are not. I know a lot of immigrants who are not given opportunities in this country simply because they do not speak the language. Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Nov 1 at 2014 6:27 PM 2014-11-01T18:27:17-04:00 2014-11-01T18:27:17-04:00 LTC Hillary Luton 305709 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sure, as Americans it would be easy for us to say yes, English should be the official language of the country, but there are two reasons that I say no. 1) America is now and has always been a melting pot. It is a place where any culture can come to to escape persecution, find freedom and attempt to make a better life for themselves. That being said, when you are coming from all over the world, you bring your language and culture with you. It does help to learn English, simply because it is probably the most universal language there is, but it should not be an official language. I don&#39;t think we need one. 2) I&#39;ve traveled to several countries around the world and one thing that has always impressed me is how many places I&#39;ve gone to in which I could get around because so many of the people in that country spoke English. Yet, when foreigners come to America, we expect them to speak English. Isn&#39;t this a little hypocritical? Maybe before we make English an official language of America, we should start making an effort to accommodate foreigners who visit our country and learn their languages. Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Nov 1 at 2014 6:30 PM 2014-11-01T18:30:51-04:00 2014-11-01T18:30:51-04:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 305732 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes English should be our official language. Our forefathers didn't use French or German. And our documents are written in English. So I believe its a no brainer. But I'm sure there will be some who don't agree. Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 6:42 PM 2014-11-01T18:42:00-04:00 2014-11-01T18:42:00-04:00 CPL Private RallyPoint Member 305734 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Definitely! Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 6:43 PM 2014-11-01T18:43:02-04:00 2014-11-01T18:43:02-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 305737 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>English isn't the official language legally, but on every practical level it is. It is the language that our laws are written in, the language our government correspondence is written in, and the language that the vast, and I do mean VAST, majority of U.S. citizens use to interact with each other in society. Making it legally official would just be a formality or all intents and purposes. <br /><br />That said, I would not support any legislation making it official. I strongly believe in individual freedom, and in context of this conversation that means an individuals freedom to use whatever language they desire to use. If an individual from China decides to immigrate to the U.S. and doesn't want to trade cantonese for english then I believe that should be their right. There are obvious consequences for this such as social/cultural isolation but the right to make that choice, consequences and all, should be allowed. We already have systems in place to close loopholes, such as the concept of "ignorantia juris non excusat" (ignorance of the law does not excuse). Our current system works, and changing it to make english the official and mandatory language would undermine what I consider the very American principle of individual freedom. Our freedom to make these types of choices are a large part of the reason why America is great in my opinion.<br /><br />tl;dr - No, don't fix what isn't broken. Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 6:45 PM 2014-11-01T18:45:24-04:00 2014-11-01T18:45:24-04:00 LCpl Steve Wininger 305744 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely. learning English and American history has been part of the test immigrants have had to pass, and speaking an oath, to become an American citizen. Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Nov 1 at 2014 6:53 PM 2014-11-01T18:53:22-04:00 2014-11-01T18:53:22-04:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 305765 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Here is a fact. English is the professional language of the world. ALL International pilots speak English. Because it is universal it makes life easier to do business. You can say that it is an economic necessity. Kind of like the Euro to the Deutsch Mark. Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 7:03 PM 2014-11-01T19:03:52-04:00 2014-11-01T19:03:52-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 305793 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just from a standpoint of efficiency you would think it would be better if everybody was able to speak the same language. It would also tie more people into feeling that they are part of the same group. I do feel it is wrong when governmental forms and services have to provided in just about every language out there.<br /><br />I also agree that it is shameful how many of our fellow citizens are so ignorant about our country&#39;s structure, laws, geography, history and more. Not sure how to correct this, as many seem able to skate through our educational system while avoiding actually learning anything.<br /><br />That being said, I do feel like Americans end up looking rather uneducated in comparison when I am constantly meeting ordinary people from other countries who speak three, four or more languages. Most Americans can speak only one or two languages (in many cases, English and bad English). It would definitely help economically to have more foreigners feel comfortable being able to visit and be served in their native tongue. We should be glad to attract them here so we can take their money. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 7:20 PM 2014-11-01T19:20:34-04:00 2014-11-01T19:20:34-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 305865 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I voted yes and I believe that if you want to be in this country that you need to learn to speak, read and write English and all documents, government forms, contracts, applications, ect be only in English. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 8:18 PM 2014-11-01T20:18:21-04:00 2014-11-01T20:18:21-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 306113 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don&#39;t think this should be an issue. My grandmother does not speck English very well but her native tongue is Portuguese. Does that make her any less than any of us. No, that is not American. It doesn&#39;t matter what you speak. There are towns speak Portuguese only in the New England area. I have ever heard anyone complain about that. This is also the case with Creoles. <br /><br />Even better yet we have territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin islands that primarily do not speak English, although some may have a modified version of it. <br /><br />It just seems to be this always becomes an issue with Hispanic speaking Americans. I don&#39;t have an issue if they don&#39;t want to learn English. It is their choice to doom themselves to a life of hardship and low wages. Honestly we know why this is an issue. I don&#39;t think it takes an act of congress to correct this.<br /><br />It is funny how so many think you can just legislate a solution to a problem. If this were gun control they would not be saying that one bit. After all how did that Prohibition workout? Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 11:34 PM 2014-11-01T23:34:41-04:00 2014-11-01T23:34:41-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 306334 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I believe that English should be the national language, however, I worry that this will only further contribute to our ethnocentrism. More important than establishing a national language, I believe learning a secondary language should be mandatory in schools. All of the &quot;this is &#39;merica, we speak English&quot; rhetoric is merely limiting our children. There are many benefits to knowing more than one language. I wish I had been made to learn Spanish in school as this would greatly increase the ease with which I could travel and navigate in many other countries. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 4:51 AM 2014-11-02T04:51:01-05:00 2014-11-02T04:51:01-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 306503 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote yes because why should we have to bend over backwards to immigrants who have chosen to come to the United States to live. I am tired of hearing that we should tolerate their wanting to express their rights and heritage, but when it comes to the rights of the American citizens it seems we are the ones who have to be sensitive. Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 9:31 AM 2014-11-02T09:31:45-05:00 2014-11-02T09:31:45-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 306928 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Having English as an official language would simplify things across the nation. Forms wouldn't need to be printed in multiple languages and you wouldn't need translators. People should feel free to use whatever language they want in their free time. Bit for official business everything should be English. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 1:40 PM 2014-11-02T13:40:18-05:00 2014-11-02T13:40:18-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 307448 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We already do... if you want to be a citizen you must be able to show that you can proficiently read, write and speak the English language. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 8:07 PM 2014-11-02T20:07:37-05:00 2014-11-02T20:07:37-05:00 MSG John Wirts 307846 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My families immigrated from germany in the 1700's and from Norway in the 19000's. At that time foreigners without passports or visas, or with health problems, were held in confinement and deported to their country of origin. The potential immigrants had to declare that that they had support from friends or family, that they had skills to support themselves and their family. If they tried to go on the public dole their citizenship attempt was terminated and they were deported. If they passed these hurdles they could apply for citizenship, requirements included ability to demonstrate a proficiency in ENGLISH! Also they had to demonstrate a knowledge of American history, and civics and a loyalty to America. These requirements made us a "melting pot" where different peoples came together with a common goal. We as a nation worked hard to become "ONE NATION UNDER GOD". As long as we kept to that goal , and based our laws on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights., we were a great nation, unless and until we return to this model, we will continue to decline and finally disappear as a DEAD NATION! English is the common denominator, patriotism, and Constitutional law are the foundation of this once great nation. Response by MSG John Wirts made Nov 3 at 2014 1:30 AM 2014-11-03T01:30:56-05:00 2014-11-03T01:30:56-05:00 SSG David Fahy 307910 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>They should! Response by SSG David Fahy made Nov 3 at 2014 3:40 AM 2014-11-03T03:40:58-05:00 2014-11-03T03:40:58-05:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 308489 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Something I cannot stand is when you make a phone call to a company inside the United States and it says for English, press #1. Why...Did America move? Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 12:55 PM 2014-11-03T12:55:44-05:00 2014-11-03T12:55:44-05:00 Cpl Gregory Hajder 308781 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Since the Constitution of the United States of America is written in Enlish and, it is the basis of all laws in this country, English should be the official language. Congress voted whether to have it written in english or german. Spanish was never considered. Response by Cpl Gregory Hajder made Nov 3 at 2014 3:04 PM 2014-11-03T15:04:56-05:00 2014-11-03T15:04:56-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 308796 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I voted yes, but I wouldn't make learning the language a requirement. That would generally take care of itself as all government documents/forms would only be printed in English to begin with. Think of the cost savings from not having to produce and print forms in multiple languages! Might not be much, but in this economy every little bit counts. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 3:08 PM 2014-11-03T15:08:04-05:00 2014-11-03T15:08:04-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 308851 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am a naturalized citizen. I joined the Army as an enlisted soldier before becoming a citizen. I was a legal resident and knew the Army was going to be part of my life. I took the Naturalization Exam in 1994. It requires that you take a US History Exam and that is far more comprehensive than you would imagine. You are also required to be able to speak English to gain Citizenship with a few exceptions related to age. I think that immigrants should assimilate to the culture and language here without loosing their roots to theirs. <br /><br />I don&#39;t see a problem with designating English as the official language as long as you don&#39;t expect people not to speak other Languages. English is already a requirement for Citizenship with very few exeptions. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 3:29 PM 2014-11-03T15:29:03-05:00 2014-11-03T15:29:03-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 308922 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I however believe Spanish should be incorporated into the req’s as well. And two English is from Britain. But overall I think that you need to know at a minimum of American English. After all, we are in America, lol. Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 3:55 PM 2014-11-03T15:55:51-05:00 2014-11-03T15:55:51-05:00 SGT James Hastings 308945 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It seems reasonable that in order to work in a country where predominately education is taught in English, laws are passed in English, the police who stop you while driving speak English, your driver's license is in English that we would make English the language of our country since originally most all came from England. Sure, we opened the country to people from all countries, speaking all languages because it was the right thing to do and it helped us grow into a mighty nation. Most of these immigrants learned to speak English at least in public to survive as I learned the language of the country in which I was living to survive better. Response by SGT James Hastings made Nov 3 at 2014 4:07 PM 2014-11-03T16:07:33-05:00 2014-11-03T16:07:33-05:00 SPC Richard Canoles 309059 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In Colorado we voted English as the official language of the state. When I was stationed in Korea I mad an attempt to learn Hangul. I know IN the Philippines they learn English in school, along with Tagalog. I feel every test should be in English. do away with the Spanish written test like for drivers licenses. Also, I believe you have to know English to get a green card. Response by SPC Richard Canoles made Nov 3 at 2014 5:24 PM 2014-11-03T17:24:04-05:00 2014-11-03T17:24:04-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 309278 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely. If you've ever been anywhere else in the world your forced to deal with it... should be the same here. I'm fine people speaking their native tongue, but we need a national language Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 7:46 PM 2014-11-03T19:46:07-05:00 2014-11-03T19:46:07-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 309298 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would have to go with yes on this topic. English should be the official language of the US, and it should be required as a stipulation for citizenship. When we deploy for foreign countries, we either learn enough of their language to survive or hire an interpreter and still learn enough of the language to survive. Why should the US be any different for foreign nationals trying to live here? If you want to make a livelihood and survive in our country, the least you can do is learn English and at least learn to speak it properly. I did. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 7:54 PM 2014-11-03T19:54:22-05:00 2014-11-03T19:54:22-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 309514 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absofrigginlutely! Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 11:04 PM 2014-11-03T23:04:13-05:00 2014-11-03T23:04:13-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 309564 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If anything, such a thing should be implemented for the mere purpose of functionality. <br />You mentioned the importance of reading, writing and speaking in day to day life and I agree. If English was made the official language of the United States, I believe that more measures would be taken to improve the availability of learning resources to accommodate our extremely diverse population. That in turn gives them more opportunities professionally in the US and even world wide as MSG Stankovich mentioned that it is the official language of NATO. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 11:27 PM 2014-11-03T23:27:58-05:00 2014-11-03T23:27:58-05:00 CSM Private RallyPoint Member 310149 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely. The federal and state government waste millions of dollars on multi-lingual items. This should have been done long ago. Being American involves at least a partial assimilation of the American culture and mentality. Speaking English is absolutely essential to being American. Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 11:40 AM 2014-11-04T11:40:00-05:00 2014-11-04T11:40:00-05:00 SPC Cedar Bristol 310164 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We have done fine without any official language for all of our history. No need for more controls on peoples' lives. Response by SPC Cedar Bristol made Nov 4 at 2014 11:48 AM 2014-11-04T11:48:59-05:00 2014-11-04T11:48:59-05:00 Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn 310283 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1. There is no need to designate English as the official language of the federal government, because all government business is already conducted in English, so it would be be a ridiculously redundant gesture. While I understand that copies of legislation and informational packets are *sometimes* printed in other languages for the convenience of residents whose first language is not English, they are *always* printed in English.<br /><br />2. It is my understanding that the United States already requires both proficiency in English and passing scores on examinations in U.S. history, the federal Constitution, and the general structure of the U.S. government. As an experienced educator, I can tell you that many citizens would struggle to pass these examinations. This is not because those citizens were not taught this information in school, it's because they don't care. This apathy is infamous in elections, especially "mid-term" ones such as today.<br /><br />3. Because the USA already requires English language proficiency and the passing of citizenship examinations, I respectfully submit that the original question posed by <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="407123" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/407123-ssg-jason-cherry">SSG Jason Cherry</a> is moot. <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/004/601/qrc/facebook_image.jpg?1443026200"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-naturalization">Citizenship Through Naturalization</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Nov 4 at 2014 12:53 PM 2014-11-04T12:53:32-05:00 2014-11-04T12:53:32-05:00 SGT Thomas Lucken 310373 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote yes and this is with having a wife who is a LEGAL immigrant (Korean). We need one prominent language and English has been it since the Declaration of Independence was written! <br /><br />My wife has to this day still stumble with the language issues and that is mainly her fault, for not taking more time to learn it! But I don't believe in bending the rules to due to her laziness! <br /><br />We are a melting pot of every language dialects in the world! We need one standard language to function properly as a nation! <br /><br />My great-grandparents from both sides migrated to the is country at the end of the 19 century and all took the time and effort to learn English then. Why should it be different now??? <br /><br />End of Statement!!!!!!! Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Nov 4 at 2014 2:02 PM 2014-11-04T14:02:23-05:00 2014-11-04T14:02:23-05:00 SPC Dean J. Thompson 310514 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, English should be our official language.<br />Also, U.S. / American History needs to continue to be taught in our schools in every grade until you graduate high school. Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Nov 4 at 2014 3:13 PM 2014-11-04T15:13:00-05:00 2014-11-04T15:13:00-05:00 SGT Brian Burlingame 310524 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'd expect the same requirements from opposing countries as well. Response by SGT Brian Burlingame made Nov 4 at 2014 3:19 PM 2014-11-04T15:19:17-05:00 2014-11-04T15:19:17-05:00 SGT Michael Glenn 310618 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I feel this should not even be a question, This is America and has been English speaking since it was 1st founded.When I was living in Germany one of the main requirements to obtain citizenship there was to be able to read ,write and speak German and I find it VERY disrespectful for all these immigrants to even think of changing our language just because they are too damn lazy to learn English. Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Nov 4 at 2014 4:01 PM 2014-11-04T16:01:17-05:00 2014-11-04T16:01:17-05:00 SGT Steve Williams 312048 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, I am for inclusion not exclusion. We are a melting pot and while it certainly is beneficial for a person to speak english I do not believe it should be designated our 'official' language. Response by SGT Steve Williams made Nov 5 at 2014 1:14 PM 2014-11-05T13:14:21-05:00 2014-11-05T13:14:21-05:00 2LT Private RallyPoint Member 312105 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not just yeah...but hell yeah! When I've traveled and lived in other countries, I was expected to be able to talk to their citizens in their native language because not everyone speaks English. I think it is absolutely insane that some of our hiring criteria is to hire workers who speak Spanish because some citizens can't speak English, thus disqualifying a better candidate for a job because they are not bilingual. Sure...I think it is good to be able to speak more than one language, but last time I checked the majority of our citizens speak English. Last time I went to Florida around the Orlando area the majority of signs were in Spanish and the announcements coming over store radios was Spanish. Sure, I could understand most of it as I know Spanish pretty well, but that is not the point. Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 1:45 PM 2014-11-05T13:45:28-05:00 2014-11-05T13:45:28-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 2143810 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely all official documents should be only in English to include drivers license applications and test and the wearing of islamic women wear ie... burkas and shira law outlawed in The United States. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2016 5:27 PM 2016-12-08T17:27:40-05:00 2016-12-08T17:27:40-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 2182165 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, because I support people&#39;s right to choose, including whether they want to learn English or not.<br /><br />But consider the consequences of not learning English. Is it easy to interview for and get a job? (Perhaps as a janitor or fruit picker.) Will you get a managerial position? (Over janitors and fruit pickers, maybe.) What about your children. Will you be helping them get a good education and good jobs?<br /><br />As long as people bear the consequences of their choices, I am a firm believer in Freedom. Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2016 6:41 PM 2016-12-22T18:41:35-05:00 2016-12-22T18:41:35-05:00 MSgt Mark Bucher 2519508 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, next question Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 24 at 2017 11:16 PM 2017-04-24T23:16:05-04:00 2017-04-24T23:16:05-04:00 SGT David T. 2576107 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;m thinking Klingon or Romulan might be more fun :) Response by SGT David T. made May 17 at 2017 10:53 AM 2017-05-17T10:53:27-04:00 2017-05-17T10:53:27-04:00 Lt Col Jim Coe 2576220 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Information on the English Language Amendment to the US Constitution at the link.<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/english-language-amendment">http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/english-language-amendment</a> . This sounds like a good idea. Our multi-national culture should be held together by a common language. <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/174/653/qrc/header-logo.jpg?1495035007"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/english-language-amendment">ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMENDMENT - Dictionary definition of ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMENDMENT |...</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">Definition of ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMENDMENT – Our online dictionary has ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMENDMENT information from Concise Oxford Companion to the English Language dictionary. Encyclopedia.com: English, psychology and medical dictionaries</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 17 at 2017 11:30 AM 2017-05-17T11:30:57-04:00 2017-05-17T11:30:57-04:00 SSG Edward Tilton 2583383 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;ll go with Cantonese Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 19 at 2017 5:15 PM 2017-05-19T17:15:35-04:00 2017-05-19T17:15:35-04:00 2014-11-01T11:53:33-04:00