So folks who come to the US and become naturalized citizens become AMERICANS. Ought they not adapt to/adjust to the culture? What is the point of becoming an American if you don't want to be one?

What brought that on?

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. On the surface, it sounds like a simplistic answer, yet there is much truth in that saying. I think that those who take the time and effort to respond to the legal process of citizenship, do in fact want to assimilate and build lives here. Many have contributed much. I don't mind people holding on to traditions of their original culture and origin, if their priority is to be an American and stand with us as Americans, making this nation truly their own. On the other hand, their counterparts, which I'll call the illegal invasion, want benefits, perks, jobs, deferential treatment and  everything spread before them without responsibility or adherence to law. It has to be disappointing and discouraging to those who have obeyed the immigration laws. As a post script, those who go through the system and become naturalized, know far more about this nation's history, system of government and culture than many of the native born. I'm referring to natives with college degrees and it's really pathetic.

When my mother came to the United States from another country, she went through the legal process to become a citizen. She married my father, an American, and went on to raise two children. She felt it was important to become a citizen if she was going to live here. There may have been a lot of red tape but she did it. Those that don't have my contempt, especially those who never bother to even learn the language, yet they expect to reap the same benefits as those that have.

 I don''t mean that  people have to give speaking their language and honoring their culture. But they make a choice to move to a new country and become a citizen. They should make an attempt to learn our language and our ways.   Here's the backstory to my question PC and I'm kinad torn. I read that Germany might be the next country to forbid wearing veils for Muslim women. Now I KNOW that is part of the Muslim culture and I guess it's part of the religion too. But wearing a veil is like wearing a mask. You don't k now who is behind it. I don't have any idea what NOT wearing a veil means to the Muslim women but I know there are many Muslim women whose  attire is completely western.  I  think you should try to adapt to your surroundings. That doesn't mean you have to become invisible or lose your identify.  What do YOU think about women wearing veils? Thank you for your reply m'dear and Happy Saturday! :)

 Here' why I asked the question Polk and maybe you can help me with it. I read that Germany is considering prohibiting wearing a veil. I think it's like wearing a mask. You don't know who is behind it. I know some Muslim women wear different attire and wear veils. But I also know that other Muslim women dress in western attire and don't wear veils. So are the ones who don't wear veils bad Muslims and the ones who wear  veils good Muslims? I'm going to ask that question and I hope someone who is Muslim will answer it . I think folks should hold on to their traditions and cultures where possible but if they choose to move to a different country and become a citizen I think they should try to adapt to our ways, learn our language and respect our culture. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis and Happy Saturday to you m'dea!   :)

Hi Rosie, oh I agree. I was speaking of those individuals that never learn the language. I'm all for holding on to their culture. However, how much do they really care about the country if they aren't even willing to learn the spoken language to communicate. I don't have a problem with women wearing veils. However, in high security areas, I feel national security is far more important than a veil. When American women travel in Muslim countries, they have to respect that country and can't walk down the street in tight mini skirts, low cut tops and push up bras with cleavage up to their ears.

Exactamundo! That is a great example! Wish I had thought of it. And when they enter religious places they cover their heads with a scarves out of respect for those who attend that church. I think that's the crux of it. Respect.   Being respectful is a two-way street. Thank you for your reply and the excellent examples PC! :)