"I know if I was in Mexico I would make an effort to learn Hispanic."

Had this been the second time she showed up in this judges court I might agree with those of you who are agreeing with the judge.

I don't think missing a couple of appointments for an immunization constitutes child neglect.

The judge could've taken this one step at a time.

"Mrs. So and so, you have 6 months to demonstrate that you have attained at least 4th grade proficiency in English. You are ordered to return to this court in 6 months time and demonstrate this and/or provide necessary proof from an instructor. If, at that time, you cannot or will not comply, you run the risk of more serious consequences."

Would that be so hard? Or is strong arming new citizens by threatening to take their children away from them the better choice?

Actually, his edict was setting her up for failure. As someone noted above, an adult brain, or even a high school level brain, has a more difficult time learning another language. There are many studies that support this. The brain simply wires itself for a certain language(s) and it is better at it the younger it is. For pete's sake, he is giving her six months to learn what it takes a naturally born US child nine years to learn, with a much more adaptable brain!

Now, the article goes on to state that this woman is a US citizen.

Allow me to post the basic requirements for US citizenship:

- a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
- residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
- an ability to read, write, and speak English;
- a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
- good moral character;
- attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
- favorable disposition toward the United States.

Who failed here? The system. Now this mother may be penalized by having her child removed from her home because of the shortcomings of the system?

LOL fair enough Personally, I don't think you should get all worked up over a handful that you say are unwilling to learn. Also, I don't think anyone expects you to adapt to their culture. Mostly, people come here and try to hang on to whatever is left of their own culture as they try to blend into this new one... it's already bad enough they had to leave home, friends and family behind, so how about some patience, compassion and understanding? (and no, this is not a question directed at you in case you're wondering). I suppose it is human nature to be afraid and leery of the unknown...

Leilany

It is a wonderful country, but does it really open its arms to anyone?

Have you ever tried to get a visa to come to the USA (if you are not in the list of preferred nations such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, etc.) Nearly impossible.

Do you know how it is to be an immigrant and being harrassed from the day you get here, first by the immigration authorities and then by your lovely neighbors? It is not fun.

Yes, we are a nation of immigrants, but only few have been welcomed with open arms.

Most immigrants like the Irish, the Italians, the Africans, The Latins, The Asians, have been treated like s**t and only because they had the determination and will to succeed they made it, not because of the love and care they received.

Get the latest issue of Forbes Magazine and read the editorial by Steve Forbes regarding the treatment the Polish people - our friends and allies - get when trying to get a tourist visa to the US. They simply can't.

The US is for the most part, a xenophobic society. Most people know only English, do not know or care about the world around them and for the most part dislike immigrants and foreigners.

Watch the news - when do they ever talk about events in other parts of the world, unless Americans are involved or killed? Watch the olympics or world cup soccer, they never broadcast events unless again, Americans are competing.

Yes, we are a great nation, but far, far from perfect.

- T -

I never claimed that things were perfect, after all my feet are firmly planted on the ground

But... if things are so horrible, why do these people seek to live here, why not go to one of these much better countries? Or stay where they are? Hmmm... it seems to me that they would only want to go through this to escape worse conditions. If that is the case, as I have been stating all along, I don't think it's too much to ask that they be willing to put effort into adapting to American life.

The part that I think I'm not getting in all your posts is this 'American Life' idea. I'm not sure where you live, but to me the american life consists of getting to hear about 15 languages a day, and (thank god) eating cuisine from around the world, watching soccer matches from countries with GOOD leagues, drinking imported beer....I'm already tired ot typing this, but my point is that I think that my 'american life' is very different from yours.

I couldn't have said it better than Tito and Taco

Leilany

you're in big trouble if you couldnt' have said it better than me, I suck!

All the ones I've met have had larger than average hearts too.

LOL you might suck sometimes (not that I would know) but you did pretty well there