[Sangetsu]

Assimilation has always been the main issue. In Europe, the leaders of France, Germany, and England have all publicly stated that "multiculturalism has failed". They state that they have taken pains to allow immigrants to practice their own cultures, to the detriment of European national cultures.

Immigrants often flee their homelands to escape poverty, corruption, and violence. Unfortunately, these problems are generally the result of their local culture, and though they may escape their home countries, they often don't shed the poor attributes of their native cultures. Rather than adopting the culture of their new country, they practice their native culture, often with it's negative points.

Some will argue that all cultures are equal, and that people should follow the cultural traditions of their ancestors, but this is simply untrue. If all cultures were equally virtuous, then all the world's cultures would enjoy a more or less equal quality of life. It is obvious that some cultures are better than others, and those cultures which have a high quality of life should be maintained as much as possible.

This is evidenced by America, which is by far the most multicultural country in the world. Immigrants who adopt American culture and adhere to it's values are generally successful and well-to-do. Those who prefer to live and practice their native cultures in deeply ethnic neighborhoods tend to be impoverished, and to commit more crimes. There are exceptions of course, but they merely prove the rule.

Partially, it is a matter of race. Not because people of different races can't assimilate, but because people of particular races tend to feel more comfortable with others of their own race. This discourages assimilation, and propagates adherence to their native cultures.

I grew up in the southwest US, where state governments thought it best to embrace multiculturalism, and even to allow bilingual education. In my home state, which is part of the USA, it was possible to graduate from high school without even being able to speak English. This practice made assimilation nearly impossible, and condemned many high school grads to a life of menial jobs and pay, unable to ever enjoy the full benefits of life in America.

In America there is lots of talk of immigration reform, and of giving a "path to citizenship" for the 18-odd million illegal immigrants who live in America. I would support this action on two conditions: 1, all those who wish to stay must be proficient in English, and 2, all those who wish to stay must take and pass a high school equivalency exam. Knowing the language and having a decent level of education are the two largest steps to assimilating. If they wish to become "Americans" and not hyphenated Americans, than I am all for immigration.