Letter: Immigrants need to learn English language

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001 | 8:44 a.m.

Recently I saw a piece on our local news that I must comment on. It pertained to voting machines and ballots being printed in Spanish as well as English.

Let me clarify a couple of points before the entire Hispanic community gets mad at me. This country is made up of peoples from all over the world. Las Vegas probably has people from every country. Diversity of cultures is just one of the things that make this city and country great.

What I have a problem with is people who move here, saying they want to become citizens of this country, then refuse to learn the language. English is hard to learn, especially for an adult. However, if a person -- no matter where they are from -- truly wants to become a contributing member of their new country and society, then they should take the time and expend the effort to learn the language.

It should not be the government's responsibility to ensure that everything is printed in every language and an interpreter is available for everyone who does not care enough for their adopted country to learn the language. The only interpreter that should be provided is for the hearing-impaired; their ability is limited due to physical limitations.

If a person wants to live, work and raise their family in America, it is the individual's responsibility to learn English.

I also realize this is a political issue, even though it should not be. Our elected officials want to be seen as doing everything they can for the so-called underprivileged. They will continue to waste our tax dollars on whatever will get them one more vote.

This policy relieves the new immigrant of any need to make the necessary adjustments and changes which would enable them to assimilate into and become a full member of their new society and country.

VIRGIL QUALLS