Should immigrants take 'integration courses'?

These classes might be a good idea. Assimilation means more than just learning language and history. This is some of what my book teaches too. DP

By Eunice Moscoso, Cox News Service

www.commercialappeal.com: WASHINGTON -- In Germany, many immigrants must pass a 600-hour language course and another 30 hours on the country's legal system, culture and history.

The "integration courses" are designed to help foreigners adapt to German culture and understand Democratic principles of equal rights, tolerance and religious freedom.

Some believe the United States should do the same.

"There is a crisis of assimilation," said John Fonte, a senior fellow at the conservative Hudson Institute in Washington. "For American representative government to work, people have to believe we're all in this together."

Fonte said that required language and culture courses would be a positive step because many immigrants are not developing emotional attachments to the United States. He also advocates making English the nation's official language and eliminating ballots in other tongues.

Currently, foreigners who want to become U.S. citizens are required to pass a multiple-choice test that includes basic knowledge of American history and civics. Many prepare for the test by taking classes run by nonprofit groups at community centers and churches.

The U.S. government offers materials to study, but does not require foreign legal residents or prospective citizens to pass a course or attend a certain amount of English-language instruction.

Immigrant advocates contend that current immigrants are assimilating at the same pace as past generations of newcomers and are anxious to learn English.
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