Throughout the world, language defines who you are and where you come from. Something unique to the United States of America is that we not only have one language that unites us, we have hundreds that separate us; that is the core of the problem. Instead of forcing people to learn English as soon as they enter the country, the government has been mollycoddling and pampering non-English speakers. Such programs as bilingual education have been at the source of the problem. Bilingual education has said to many foreigners that its ok if you come to America and don"t speak English, it"s only our language, but we"ll cater to you. It all simmers down to one simple point that bilingual education is not necessary and is harmful to the United States as a whole.

             Voting ballots were just sent out in the mail last week. Something was very noticeable, not only was it in English, but it was in Spanish as well. One very common sign that English education in this country has not improved was just sent to millions of voters all over the country. If things do not improve, the children of those Spanish speaking citizens, in ten twenty years down the road, will be as illiterate in English as they were the day they were born. "The character of American life 50 years hence will determined. by what happens in elementary school classrooms where immigrants" children are learning – or not learning – English" (Barone). Everything that influences a child"s life happens in their early years, and if English does not influence them then, they may never be. ".for many years Latino kids failed to learn enough English to score well on tests and qualify for good jobs, thanks to 'bilingual education," which in most cases was neither bilingual or education"(B!.

             arone) The school system for non-native speakers seems not only inadequate, but in the need of great reform. Immersion seems to be the only answer to that great problem.