We need but look at the bill to see that its provisions do not even come close to its intentions: that English is the official language of this country and that its citizens should speak English. It does nothing to reverse the results of 2 years of frontal attacks on the bilingual education program which helps children learn English. and does nothing to strengthen the adult education program which helps adults learn English. In the States and cities which are most heavily impacted by immigrants. new entrants can languish for years on waiting lists to enter English language programs. In Los Angeles there are 40.000 applicants for English language classes. In Washington. DC. the Nations Capital and the place in which this debate is taking place. 5.000 immigrants were turned away from English classes in 1 year alone. Do my colleagues think these new Americans have in any way demonstrated an unwillingness to learn the language of their new country? No. of course not. but they will be punished anyway.
Identified stereotypes
New Americans have demonstrated an unwillingness to learn the language of their new country.