I think if you move to a country, you ought to learn its primary language ... preferably before you arrive, or as soon thereafter as possible. I think this is a huge no-brainer.

Would any of us move to Germany, Mexico, Italy, etc. without a clue of how to ask where the restrooms are or how to count money? And, more importantly, would we move there and make no attempt whatsoever to learn the language, even after years and years? I highly doubt it! I frankly don't know anyone who even vacations in a foreign country for a week that doesn't make some attempt to learn at least a few pertinent phrases of the language before going there.

My great grandparents were all immigrants, arriving in the USA from Germany, Scotland and England. My German relatives learned English, and did as well for themselves here as my Englsh relatives. They were hard-working people, who were ambitious and did what had to be done.

Case in point: my neighbors down the street. The mom and dad moved here from Mexico fifteen years ago. The dad spoke a few words of English, the mom spoke none. They now have been here for fifteen years, and have five children - ages fourteen, twelve, nine, seven and five - all of whom were born here in Wyoming. All five children are in ESL classes at school, arriving in kindegarten not speaking a single word of English. Neither parent has learned much English, and they speak only Spanish at home. I find this pathetic - those poor kids struggle. And why?!? Why would you not want to learn the principal language of the country you have chose to live in? No one forces these people to come here, they come here by choice. They should also choose to learn our language, at least for their children's sake.