Immigration no threat to American ‘identity’

Re “Y’all say hola to the future,” Current, May 21

As the child of a long line of less-than-legal immigrants, I have a hard time understanding how immigrants (legal or illegal) are threatening American “identity.” These people have given up everything to make a risky journey to a new country. Once here, they often work long hours at low-paying jobs, all in hopes of creating a better life for their families. Don’t these values define America? Aren’t these exactly the sort of people we want to be Americans?

JEFFREY BLUTINGER

Long Beach

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Michael Skube suggests that Mexican immigrants pose a threat to our Anglo-Protestant identity instituted by the original English settlers. This narrow view of what is American ignores the rich cultural mosaic of peoples that have called this land their home. After all, it was English that transcended Spanish soon after the Southwest came to be part of the United States.

As a Mexican immigrant, I can attest to the fact that English will continue to be the language of choice simply because it is the language of opportunity. My own U.S.-born children use English almost exclusively and consider themselves part of this country as much as anyone else. As with previous waves of immigrants, assimilation will continue, each time enriching the nation in immeasurable ways.

ANGEL D. SISTOS

San Clemente

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As a seasoned foreign-language teacher, I take issue with Skube’s article concerning the position of Spanish as an impediment to the integrity of the English language in this country. What if all English-speaking children were to start studying Spanish in elementary school, continue in high school and then study a foreign language or two in middle and high school? What if our high school graduates were bilingual as well as able to navigate in one or more other languages? What better way would there be to prepare our country to assume a more intelligent role in global affairs? And concerning the Quebec factor in certain parts of the country: Skube seems to forget the history of Canadian bilingualism.

JUDITH TERZI

Pasadena