When I hear the word assimilation, I shudder inside.

To me, assimilation is the death of heritage and background. It seems most people who are interested in assimilating foreigners want to kill their ancestral traditions and make them just like the rest of us in the United States.

Well, what is so special about us?

We are so quick to praise the American "melting pot" concept in this country. The thought of unity is positive, but it risks rejecting what makes this country so special in the first place.

We are a country of people from all over the world. Most people are descendant of others who immigrated here at one time or another.

The thing that is so great about this country is that it is made up of people who are diverse, not all the same. We are all different but, in theory, we all have the same opportunities for success.

Instead of celebrating the melting pot, this country should be praised as a beautiful patchwork quilt, woven together with a variety of dazzling cultures. Families should be encouraged to retain what makes their backgrounds unique and pass on traditions to younger generations.

The only dilemma with the patchwork quilt model comes in terms of communication. How can we celebrate each other as unique members of society if we can't understand one another?

This is where the language debate comes into play. Is it really important for the United States to have a national language?

Many argue that English should be the country's official language, which then would address problems that arise economically and socially.

Opponents say an official English language would discriminate against immigrants and make it harder for them to become active citizens.

But in this debate, I have to admit I'm inclined to agree that a national language is important. The majority of business and political discussion is conducted in English. Therefore, not knowing a basic, working understanding of the language hinders an immigrant's progress. Every foreign language-speaking immigrant should learn basic English to survive in our country and not be dependent on friends and family to necessitate common interactions.

If I were to move to France — a country with a reputation to snub anyone who doesn't speak the language — I would learn French. How else would I be able to interact on a day-to-day basis?

Immigrants also are limited in political discourse if they do not take steps to learn the language. How can an immigrant know which candidates will advocate on their behalf if they cannot understand the politicians' messages?

Yet, the answer to the language barrier cannot be solved as simply as saying immigrants need to learn the language. An article in Tuesday's edition of The New York Times explored the obstacles of English as a second language education and showed how hard these barriers are to overcome, "Growing Demand Outstrips Supply of Seats in English Language Programs" (2/27).

The biggest setback for many foreign language-speaking immigrants is getting into an English class. In government-sponsored classes, the Times reported "that in 12 states, 60 percent of the free English programs had waiting lists."

Some immigrants have to wait a few months, while others, like in New Mexico or Massachusetts, can wait for two years.

Immigrants who are eager to learn English and become active members of the U.S. society are forced to wait before they can be engaged. This limits their growth and potential. Many feel like they could have been doing more sooner if they had known the language.

Oftentimes, other immigrants who are turned away may get discouraged about the process and never come back. They fade into the background, never thinking they have a chance for success.

If we are to establish a national language — which is necessary in our diverse culture — we need to make education of this language more accessible. Government-financed classes need to provide the best learning tools possible and eliminate waiting lists.

We need to make English education a priority for foreign-language speakers. Between 1990 to 2000, immigrants accounted "for half of the growth in the nation's labor force," according to the Times.

Language is the thread that holds our multicultural society together. Everyone should have access to this critical resource necessary for participation in our national community. Otherwise, the quilt will fall apart.

Jacqueline Wayneguite is the State News opinion editor. Reach her at waynegui@msu.edu.