You, my friend, are welcome with open arms because you have an appreciation for this Country that for hundreds of years has accepted many like you who come here seeking to make life better for yourself and your children. And to accomplish that it only makes sense to try and adapt to the place that you call home.<quoted text>
My native language is Spanish. When I moved to the US, I learned to speak English immediately. That was a long time ago. I lived for a bit in Miami and have to agree with most posters here. Nobody down there seems to speak English or even attempt to speak it. I understand if you just got here and are in the process of learning it - you get a pass for now. But if you've been here for a while and have not even tried to learn it, then I think you are a disgrace. I had to learn it, so why haven't you?? It's only going to benefit you in the long run anyway. I did my own little experiment where I'd go into any commercial establishment in Miami and would try to speak only English to the people there. They however refused to speak in English back to me. It is only because I know how to speak Spanish that I could get anything done. That's ridiculous. This country belongs to Americans and we are just guests. It is only the polite thing to do to speak their language in their country. I know I wouldn't want Americans coming to my country and forcing everyone to speak English. Come on people, it's for your own good. Either learn it or get out!
But to insist on speaking your native language when circumstances call for adaptation is just plain ignorant and lazy.
It just goes to show what a lower class of people that have migrated here in the last 40 or so years
What a shame because when you do engage someone who is trying to learn the language it creates a better bond between the cultures.