Polls & Research

Immigrants Must Speak English, Say Americans

- Many adults in the United States believe people who want to live in their country should learn the language, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 81 per cent of respondents favour requiring at least half of the immigrants allowed into the U.S. to know English and have an education or a skill.

The U.S. grants permanent residency or "green cards" to almost 900,000 legal immigrants each year. Usually, these permits are allocated on the basis of existing family relationships, essential employment skills or humanitarian reasons. 41 per cent of respondents think immigrants who enter the U.S. join society and give to the country, while 36 per cent believe they stay separate from society and take from the country.

In March, the Pew Hispanic Center calculated the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States at somewhere between 11.5 million to 12 million.

On May 15, U.S. president George W. Bush addressed the nation to discuss his immigration proposals. Bush outlined five clear objectives: securing the borders, creating a temporary worker program, holding employers to account for the workers they hire, allowing illegal immigrants "who have roots" in the country to apply for citizenship, and helping newcomers assimilate into American society.

On May 25, the U.S. Senate voted 62-36 to pass an immigration reform bill that places illegal immigrants in three different groups depending on the amount of time they have spent in the U.S. The plan favours persons who have lived in the U.S. for more than five years, who would have the option of becoming citizens in six years after paying penalties and back taxes, learning English, and passing a background check.

This month, Republican Nebraska senator Chuch Hagel said the divisions over immigration reform could hurt his party in the Nov. 7 congressional election, adding, "We are seen by too many as an intolerant party. And the majority of Americans are not going to elect intolerant representatives."

Polling Data

Would you favour or oppose requiring at least half of the immigrants allowed into the United States to know English and have an education or a skill?

In general, do you think immigrants who come to the United States today join society and give to the country or stay separate from society and take from the country?