Reader comments
Slowdown found in assimilation of immigrants
32 comments | Read story
lost in DC | 5:19 a.m. May 13, 2008
There needs to be a desire for assimilation for there to be assimiation, and
there is very little, if any. All they want is to take our jobs and our money,
send the money back home, and transplant their own culture here. And not all
the jobs they take are those we won't do.
While there are many praiseworthy aspects to their culture such as strong family bonds and a strong work ethic there, the culture can bear part of the blame for the inability of their owns nations to develop economically to the point where they wouldn't need to come here.
While there are many praiseworthy aspects to their culture such as strong family bonds and a strong work ethic there, the culture can bear part of the blame for the inability of their owns nations to develop economically to the point where they wouldn't need to come here.
Anonymous | 5:39 a.m. May 13, 2008
Can someone please tell me why immigrants have to assimilate to us? Why not have
native-born assimilate to the immigrants as well? Why can't we meet the
immigrants half way?
By expecting immigrants to change without changing ourselves, we are assuming that we are superior.
By expecting immigrants to change without changing ourselves, we are assuming that we are superior.
Comments continue below
Why bother? | 6:13 a.m. May 13, 2008
As long as we tolerate their lack of desire to become Americans rather than
people of other nationalities that just want to live here and benefit from the
other citizens, why should they bother. Not only is the assimilation rate down,
but he illegal rate is up.
liberal larry | 6:43 a.m. May 13, 2008
Immigration is a horrible issue for the republicans. The capitalist, greed
based, branch of the party loves the cheap labor, and the way semi-slave labor
drives down the cost of wages in general. The right wing nut, fear based,
conservatives are terrified of people who are so different from them, and are
committing unforgivable crime of being "illegals!!!". It's time
for both factions to grow up and come up with a workable solution to immigration
problems.
broken | 7:16 a.m. May 13, 2008
More evidence that immigration is broken.
Our nation depends on a healthy immigration system to keep our society and economy vital.
No business could function long if 30% of it's "custoners" were shoplifters.
Our immigration system will not survive long when 30% of "immigrants" are in fact illegal aliens.
It has devastating implications for our nation.
That system has broken down and
Our nation depends on a healthy immigration system to keep our society and economy vital.
No business could function long if 30% of it's "custoners" were shoplifters.
Our immigration system will not survive long when 30% of "immigrants" are in fact illegal aliens.
It has devastating implications for our nation.
That system has broken down and
wood1271 | 7:42 a.m. May 13, 2008
Of course, why should they. We have made it easy for them not. That us why
they have no love for this country because they don't feel any need to
become a part of it. Once again the socialists are winning at destroyig this
country.
David | 8:07 a.m. May 13, 2008
Why should the Mexican illegals learn English when everything is given to them
in Spanish?
Wha? | 8:08 a.m. May 13, 2008
Interesting to compare and contrast the DNews article and the Washington Post
article.
Washington Post: "Report: Foreigners Adapt Quickly
Immigrants have been assimilating at a notably faster rate than previous generations, study finds."
DNews: "Slowdown found in assimilation of immigrants"
Washington Post: "Report: Foreigners Adapt Quickly
Immigrants have been assimilating at a notably faster rate than previous generations, study finds."
DNews: "Slowdown found in assimilation of immigrants"
Elisabeth | 8:17 a.m. May 13, 2008
There is also a deep current of resentment, bigotry and prejudice among many
Utahans. Take, for example, almost native speaker above. Has he tried to reach
out and use his language skills to reach children in the public schools that
desperately need role models with minimal spanish skills and a whole lot of
compassion? Why dont you start being part of the solution instead of
contributing to the problem with your blanket statements. How do you think a
legal immigrant child feels when she/he hears you talk about their culture like
this. Amazing you served a Mission for a Christian church and cant even see the
suffering of the immigrants in our own country. Stop blaming the victims of
racial and political injustice. Look into the eyes of the children and ask
yourself how you can help.
Why not? | 8:25 a.m. May 13, 2008
Selwin Duke explains that immigrants fail to assimilate for two reasons:
1) They don't want to
2) We don't ask them to
I find it interesting the way different news outlets are covering this study.
The Washington Post headline: "Study Says Foreigners in US Adapt Quickly"
UPI:"Latin immigrants to US don't assimilate"
Miami Herald: "Newcomers assimilating quickly in US"
MSNBC: "Immigrants assimilate quicker today, study shows"
And Deseret News: "Slowdown found in assimilation of immigrants"
I hope people read the report themselves to find out what it says.
1) They don't want to
2) We don't ask them to
I find it interesting the way different news outlets are covering this study.
The Washington Post headline: "Study Says Foreigners in US Adapt Quickly"
UPI:"Latin immigrants to US don't assimilate"
Miami Herald: "Newcomers assimilating quickly in US"
MSNBC: "Immigrants assimilate quicker today, study shows"
And Deseret News: "Slowdown found in assimilation of immigrants"
I hope people read the report themselves to find out what it says.
martha thousand oaks | 8:29 a.m. May 13, 2008
It isn't necessary to our corrupt govt for assimilation of illegals---gaze
upon all of the signs, directions, instructions in Spanish along side our
marvelous English signs, directions and instructions. This govt gives the
message illegals do not have to learn English. After all, the 33 million
illegals which have invaded our country are essential to Bush's No.
American Union (which will replace our USA with a union comprising Canada, USA
and Mexico) --it is already underway. Look up N.A.U. on the internet.
Assimilation | 8:46 a.m. May 13, 2008
Assimilation is very important for immigration to happen. Having immigrants not
wanting to assimilate or pandering to them so that they don't have to
creates civic, community & country problems of division.
Telling people to learn English, fly the proper Flag, advance their education et. al., this is not racism (or whatever -ism), this is just what is needed to have a Country prosper.
AIMHO
Telling people to learn English, fly the proper Flag, advance their education et. al., this is not racism (or whatever -ism), this is just what is needed to have a Country prosper.
AIMHO
martha thousand oaks | 9:52 a.m. May 13, 2008
Our corrupt govt. does not want assimilation from the 33+ million illegals who
have invaded our country. Notice the Spanish signs, directions, instructions,
etc., placed next to our English signs, directions, instructions, etc. in every
store, restaurant and most places of business? This president is currently
replacing the USA by the North American Union (which will be comprised of
Canada-USA-Mexico). Look up the N.A.U. on the Internet. Assimilation of
illegals in their invasion is not necessary to the current US president. Wake
up America.
US Proud | 10:28 a.m. May 13, 2008
I completely agree with US Citizen. We - the US - give immigrants no
incentative to learn our culture when we bend over backwards to be so
accomodating to them. They came to this country willingly - they should learn
to be in this country. You can't have one foot in the US & one foot
still in your homeland. Either you want to be an American or you don't.
You can't have it both ways. My husband is a Border Patrol Agent in SWTX
& I find myself being more & more irritated with invading cultures &
much less tolerant of people who speak Spanish. While I applaud our early
immigrants (of every country), they embraced their new homeland - they
didn't sneer at the new things to learn. America is fast losing it's
identity & it doesn't even know it.
BBKing | 10:39 a.m. May 13, 2008
The first comment is right on the money. This is where good enforcement and no
incentives for illegal behaviour is key. Add to this is that America has really
become a prescriptive nation and people. I believe that is the term to reflect
that we expect more to be done for us. We are not quite as self-sufficient as
prior generations of Americans.
What we need is a great public or private program of assimilation. This would educate the Legal immigrats on the concepts of individuality, free markets, etc.
New immigrants are learning powerful lessons about modern America. Every time they receive WIC, foodstamps, free health care, etc they are learning that Karl Marx was right. From what I understand this learning is part of their assimilation, and it is not good. We are incorporating entire generations of 'Americans' who believe money grows on trees and the supremacy of government.
We need to be much more proactive about this. Fighting legislation is only one part of this discussion.
What we need is a great public or private program of assimilation. This would educate the Legal immigrats on the concepts of individuality, free markets, etc.
New immigrants are learning powerful lessons about modern America. Every time they receive WIC, foodstamps, free health care, etc they are learning that Karl Marx was right. From what I understand this learning is part of their assimilation, and it is not good. We are incorporating entire generations of 'Americans' who believe money grows on trees and the supremacy of government.
We need to be much more proactive about this. Fighting legislation is only one part of this discussion.
To Anonymous | 11:20 a.m. May 13, 2008
It is not our duty to meet them halfway. It is not our duty to assimilate to
their culture. Whom is coming to whose country. They are coming here. It is not
about superiority, it is about being American.
By your token, those living in other countries should all learn English and assimilate to American culture and meet us halfway when we go to their countries. It is unfair that our missionaries should have to learn a foreign language. Do they think they are superior to us?
The simple fact is, if you want to move to a new country, for whatever reason, it is your duty to assimilate to that nation and their language and culture. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask. It is on the otherhand unreasonable for a minority to attempt to force an overwhelming majority to learn their language so that they do not have to learn ours. Every other immigrant group has done so, why should this group of immigrants be any different.
By your token, those living in other countries should all learn English and assimilate to American culture and meet us halfway when we go to their countries. It is unfair that our missionaries should have to learn a foreign language. Do they think they are superior to us?
The simple fact is, if you want to move to a new country, for whatever reason, it is your duty to assimilate to that nation and their language and culture. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask. It is on the otherhand unreasonable for a minority to attempt to force an overwhelming majority to learn their language so that they do not have to learn ours. Every other immigrant group has done so, why should this group of immigrants be any different.
KingM | 11:24 a.m. May 13, 2008
There's also the simple question of numbers. Studies show that we'll
reach 500 million people by 2050, due to immigration and new births to
immigrants. Otherwise, the population would largely stabilized.
If you think immigration is good and that these higher numbers are good, is there a point at which the country would be "full?" If not 500 million, how about a billion? Can we stop at two billion? Is that enough for our country?
If you think immigration is good and that these higher numbers are good, is there a point at which the country would be "full?" If not 500 million, how about a billion? Can we stop at two billion? Is that enough for our country?
Of course . . . | 11:28 a.m. May 13, 2008
. . other papers put a different headline on the story.
They are liberal rags spinning the propaganda that illegal aliens benefit America.
They are liberal rags spinning the propaganda that illegal aliens benefit America.
KVC | 11:37 a.m. May 13, 2008
Elisabeth- You must support illegal immigration and its propagation based on
your statements. It is not the duty of this nation to take on the burden of
illegal immigrants and providing not only for their general education, but also
for extra support that we cannot afford. There is a budget deficit, and our
government already spends too much money on discretionary pork projects, not to
mention extra law enforcement and Border Patrol that is a direct result of
illegal immigration. If individuals from Latin America did not try to illegally
enter our country, or smuggle drugs, we could slash the Border Patrol spending
by billions. Instead, they believe they are not subject to our laws and
sovereignty.
They also do not believe it is their responsibility to help fix things in their own country. While Americans try to fix things in their country, illegals just flee to another nation where things are better. And they would all flee the USA if they thought the economic situation was better somewhere else.
They want the easy way out, which is why they also do not learn English or assimilate, because it is too hard and they have no loyalty to the USA.
They also do not believe it is their responsibility to help fix things in their own country. While Americans try to fix things in their country, illegals just flee to another nation where things are better. And they would all flee the USA if they thought the economic situation was better somewhere else.
They want the easy way out, which is why they also do not learn English or assimilate, because it is too hard and they have no loyalty to the USA.
what happened to fairness? | 11:44 a.m. May 13, 2008
Can anyone tell me why we are favoring Mexican immigrants over everyone else in
the world? Are they more educated or have better skill sets than Koreans? Can
they speak English better than Filipinos? Are they more deserving politically
than the Hmong? Are they poorer than Haitians? Do they have stronger family
values than Vietnamese? Are they more imperiled than Iraqis?
Setting international comparisons aside, can anyone honestly suggest that we're getting Mexico's best and brightest? Are crime rates among these folks less than other groups? Why does Mexico strictly guard its border and deport foreign nationals while encouraging their own (poorest, least educated) citizens to migrate north?
We don't buy these bogus arguments about compassion. It's really about the power to shape public policy. Businesses and other special interest groups benefit while the rank & file taxpayer bears the burden, and the county as a whole declines on the world stage.
Setting international comparisons aside, can anyone honestly suggest that we're getting Mexico's best and brightest? Are crime rates among these folks less than other groups? Why does Mexico strictly guard its border and deport foreign nationals while encouraging their own (poorest, least educated) citizens to migrate north?
We don't buy these bogus arguments about compassion. It's really about the power to shape public policy. Businesses and other special interest groups benefit while the rank & file taxpayer bears the burden, and the county as a whole declines on the world stage.
Hey! | 11:47 a.m. May 13, 2008
What would make anyone think they are interested in assimilating or becoming
good Americans?
They bailed out on their own country; if it is such a crummy place instead of running away work to make it better, and hold you're own leaders accountable.
Breaking the law and taking what isn't yours is not the answer.
They bailed out on their own country; if it is such a crummy place instead of running away work to make it better, and hold you're own leaders accountable.
Breaking the law and taking what isn't yours is not the answer.
LOL | 11:59 a.m. May 13, 2008
A study conducted by a "conservative think tank." Who cuts the checks
for these "researchers" and can money influence results?
This is the scientist in me.
How do you make accurate comparisons with subjective data a hundred years old? How do you normalize date without using the same methodology to collect your dataset?
Intellectual inquiry requires you know how a study was conducted.
We know that New York had Little Italy. Italian was the dominate language spoken in this community. San Francisco had China Town. Few spoke English there. There were the Polish in Chicago. Where did German Town get its name?
I'm not buying this study. I do find it humorous so many are willing to accept it as fact because they like the sound of it.
This is the scientist in me.
How do you make accurate comparisons with subjective data a hundred years old? How do you normalize date without using the same methodology to collect your dataset?
Intellectual inquiry requires you know how a study was conducted.
We know that New York had Little Italy. Italian was the dominate language spoken in this community. San Francisco had China Town. Few spoke English there. There were the Polish in Chicago. Where did German Town get its name?
I'm not buying this study. I do find it humorous so many are willing to accept it as fact because they like the sound of it.
Paul in MD | 12:07 p.m. May 13, 2008
to Liberal Larry - Your depiction of the Republican party is pure caricature.
Oh, I don't doubt that there are a few isolated people out there who fit
into your two "wings" of the GOP. In reality, the bulk of the party
wants to get the government back to doing just the few basic things it was
initially constructed to do - provide physical protection (armies), and regulate
interstate commerce. Over the last hundred years or so, power-hungry
politicians from BOTH sides of the aisle have twisted the Constitution and
written extremely poor laws to expand the government to provide ever more for
the people. As another poster said, Americans want to do less while the
government provides more.
There is a story of a small village that wanted to use a herd of wild pigs to feed themselves better. They tried everything, but could not capture them. A man offered to help. He went into the woods, and a few days later came back with the herd following like sheep. All he had to do was feed them. Provide so they don't have to work, and they will follow.
Thus we see the liberal agenda illustrated.
There is a story of a small village that wanted to use a herd of wild pigs to feed themselves better. They tried everything, but could not capture them. A man offered to help. He went into the woods, and a few days later came back with the herd following like sheep. All he had to do was feed them. Provide so they don't have to work, and they will follow.
Thus we see the liberal agenda illustrated.
Won Chang Hwang | 2:22 a.m. May 14, 2008
Immigrants, regardless of where they come from don't assimilate very well.
I have Korean neighbors living in LA,have a US citizenship, but never speak
English.
That's not all. Since foreign media is allowed in US, those immigrants become addicted to the programs coming from their homeland and ignore what is happening in this country. That's a pretty shame for me even though I am an immigrant myself, because they should be proud of being Americans.
That's not all. Since foreign media is allowed in US, those immigrants become addicted to the programs coming from their homeland and ignore what is happening in this country. That's a pretty shame for me even though I am an immigrant myself, because they should be proud of being Americans.
Robin | 6:08 a.m. May 14, 2008
Why are individuals from south of the border in our country illegally? Why are
they in the U.S.? Because we have a country that runs quite well - in large
part due to the fact we are a nation of law abiding citizens. Yet, people from
countries like Mexico - instead of following our laws - arrive illegally and
then supplant their culture - rather than assimilate. They want to use America
for its money - not because they believe in the ideals and laws of America. So
rather than leave their failed countries behind, they seek to replace the
success of America with a hybrid of their nation.
Yeh Ling-Ling | 10:01 a.m. May 14, 2008
Your article, "Slowdown found in assimilation of immigrants," reports
a phenomenon not surprising to any American who is not blind. In areas where
immigrants are the majority, how can they become assimilate? An immigration
moratorium coupled with the abolishment of all "bilingual" education
and multi-lingual ballots are necessary steps if we wish immigrants to have a
chance to assimilate.
Yeh Ling-Ling
Oakland, CA
Yeh Ling-Ling
Oakland, CA
Bobby | 1:30 p.m. May 14, 2008
Censorship on the internet?? I see.
Bobby | 7:25 p.m. May 14, 2008
California seniors and other citizens must pay higher and higher property taxes
because Californias pandering, Mexican based in spirit, politicians keep
demanding more and more schools for the illegal alien children who should not
even be here, have never had permisson to be here, in fact. When will
politicians feel sympathy for the citizens who are having a hard time for a
change?
Mexico is a rich nation. In fact it is the 10-12th richest nation in the world. Its corrupt politicians pay the lowest taxes on their income of any polticians in the Western Hemisphere. The Mexican Presidential Palace has Mercedes, Rolls Royce and other assorted limousines parked in front of it. It makes the old White House look like a dump. Whatever, either Americans get it, or they don't and those that don't, don't speak for those that do. We aren't interested in your ignorant, uninformed opinion. Especially the taxpayers of California. I know, I've talked to tons of them.
Mexico is a rich nation. In fact it is the 10-12th richest nation in the world. Its corrupt politicians pay the lowest taxes on their income of any polticians in the Western Hemisphere. The Mexican Presidential Palace has Mercedes, Rolls Royce and other assorted limousines parked in front of it. It makes the old White House look like a dump. Whatever, either Americans get it, or they don't and those that don't, don't speak for those that do. We aren't interested in your ignorant, uninformed opinion. Especially the taxpayers of California. I know, I've talked to tons of them.
OneifbyLand | 12:08 p.m. May 19, 2008
When in Rome do as the Romans do!
Mexicans are NOT coming to the USA
to become Americans,they are here
to create an Illegal Mexican Nation within
the borders of the USA!!
STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!!!
numbersusa
americanpatrol
grassfire
saveourstate
alipac
Mexicans are NOT coming to the USA
to become Americans,they are here
to create an Illegal Mexican Nation within
the borders of the USA!!
STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!!!
numbersusa
americanpatrol
grassfire
saveourstate
alipac
Grayce | 8:16 a.m. Oct. 16, 2009
The only illegal people here are Europeans who weren't invited. Mexicans
belong here from the Atlantic to the Pacific. I'm not Mexican nor speak
Spanish, and I help them in every way possible to what is right. If you
don't like it here, Europe is not to far away. Please go back. We asked
you kindly.
Grayce | 8:20 a.m. Oct. 16, 2009
...and I'm in the process of rejecting all assimilation to Americans. The
concept is not working. Pay attention to what was here before, all that
surrounds the land, and all brought here in chains. There lies the answer to
the true possibly of a great future.
"30" on the Assimilation Index (I speak the European language English), and I pay taxes (helps you more than it helps me).
"30" on the Assimilation Index (I speak the European language English), and I pay taxes (helps you more than it helps me).
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
- NFL roundup: Saints, Colts unbeaten 9:33 p.m.
- Nature's Sunshine suit settled 9:32 p.m.
- Boy still listed as critical 9:32 p.m.
- Mickelson clutch at HSBC 9:29 p.m.
- Dungy can see Vick playing for Bills 9:27 p.m.
- Lambert surprisingly tops news 9:24 p.m.
- MLS: Dynamo, Galaxy advance 9:21 p.m.
- Utahns split over war in Afghanistan 9:21 p.m.
- Probe heating up in the rampage 9:16 p.m.
- Health-care bill could sink in Senate 9:15 p.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill195
- Lobo suspended173
- Cougars crush hapless Cowboys150
- Speed has never been BYU's game136
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings125
- RSL rallies to advance103
- Thousands protest health bill102
- Provo company innovating engines99
- BYU cuts Women's Research Institute88
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Advertisement
Latest comments
Sports fans ("fan" really does derive from "fanatic") who predict scores and...
Attendance smack ? That's all you have ... your team will get stomped on Sat.
Lets see, Utah fumbles all over the field, they've changed qb's mid-season,...
Yes, there is more to the story than Reagan, Thatcher and the Pope, but the...
I have been in high coaching since 1963. I have seen many state tournaments...
There is no known gene forcing homosexuality. Studies indicate a potential,...
TCU 45 Utah 6
But, if you think TCU will score 49, you are completely underestimating the...
Banks should tighten underwriting guidelines, to be sure, but they have gone...
Utah Alum cheering on home town TCU. The earlier poster Metroplex poster is...
Advertisements
It seems that we have endless businesses attempting to capitalize on Spanish speakers. There are multiple TV and Radio stations, Newspapers, stores, banks, etc... It seems that I'm back in Spanish class, every time I visit Home Depot and see their bilingual signs everywhere. No wonder I keep seeing interviews with Hispanics who came here 10 or 15 years ago and they still need a translator to communicate.
Having learned a foreign language by studying abroad, I found myself fully immersed in the language and culture of my host country. By my 4th month abroad I was able to communicate pretty effectively. After a year, I was mistaken for a native speaker.