Accusation: Immigrants do not integrate into American society and they do not learn English. They are taking away our culture.
Actuality: Studies show that first-generation immigrants (adults who arrive undocumented) have difficulty learning English at first, but learn enough English to communicate at a basic level within the first two years of arrival. Second-generation immigrants are fluent in English. Immigrants understand that to succeed in the United States you have to speak English.
Immigrants have been arriving in the United States for two centuries and have not taken away our culture, but defined it. The United States is strengthened by the diversity of nationalities that make up the citizenry, as we are able to experience the best of different cultures. It is not different today.
Information courtesy Diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry
