Being Bilingual in Spanish a discrimination against job seekers
Public Comments (2,313)
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Dec 13th, 2016Someone from Conroe, TX signed.
Dec 12th, 2016Dena from Charlotte, NC writes:
I agree wholeheartedly! I get excited when I discover a job I like and then BAM!!- "Must be Bilingual" Seriously, why don't you learn some English? ! I know that life must be really hard if you feel the need to come to another country and live without knowing the language. I cannot even imagine what that must be like however it should not continue to affect our jobs. I am sick and tired of this situation over and over again. I understand the need for translators, but not the need for a whole group of bilingual speaking staffers that just basically snuff out a whole talented pool of applicants. The jobs are going to people that were not born here in the US and they are getting preferential treatment. Believe you me, it not just jobs. God Bless them for living the American Dream but shouldn't we start with Americans. That is not a question, it is a statement. I am glad to see that I am not the only one that thinks this is wrong and DISCRIMINATORY!Dec 12th, 2016Cindy B. from Yuma, AZ writes:
Dear President Elect Donald Trump, Please read this and everyone comments on being forced to speak spanish to get a job. This needs to STOP now. Jobs are making sure only spanish speaking people get jobs. This is discrimination and setting Americans bac to some dark age. It is so ridiculous. If your in America speak ENGLISH only.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 11th, 2016Someone from Lebec, CA writes:
I have gone from making a decent living to extreme poverty level because I do not speak Spanish...what can I do before I am homeless? I would like to sue the state of Calif for allowing and pushing this growing problem.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 9th, 2016Michelle from Niceville, FL writes:
I am a white 52 year old female with 3 college degrees. I have always worked since the age of 15. I lost my full-time job 3-1/2 years ago. I have applied to hundreds of jobs, been interviewed hundreds of times and still cannot find a permanent full-time job. More than 50% of all jobs listed for Paralegals, Legal Secretaries, and Legal Assistants (these are the main categories I'm looking in not the ONLY categories) state the applicant must be Bi-lingual, must speak Spanish or Spanish Preferred. All other things being equal I have been denied employment solely because I do not speak Spanish. I have been disqualified from even applying for employment with various employers because I do not speak Spanish. I do not see how this discrimination issue is a one-way street? I know how to do legal research, so where are the cases/claims of non-Spanish speaking individuals being discriminated against being addressed because I sure don't see any.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 9th, 2016Teri B. from Apple Valley, CA writes:
I'm so tired of seeing "must speak spanish" or "be bilingual" to be considered for a job! I don't speak spanish and should not be forced to learn in order to get a job. Another one that should be not be asked is whether you are or have received financial assistance -> SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE ASKED. It should be based on your qualifications, this is why we have people working in positions who have no business working in them and ones who do are passed over!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 8th, 2016Brandon S. from Turner, MI signed.
Dec 7th, 2016Someone from Owego, NY writes:
Many American citizens are being locked out of jobs for not being bilingual. This has to stop. Any other country expects you to learn their language not the other way aroundREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 6th, 2016Someone from Sunland, CA writes:
I went back to college for a second degree and studied hard for what I thought would be a good new career. I even earned a 4.0 GPA. I was just turned down for another job (6th time) being told the only deciding factor was that I do not speak Spanish. There are so few jobs to apply for if not bilingual. I was born an American and have lived in Southern CA my whole life. Why is this discrimination okay? Why is Los Angeles practically North Mexico?REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 6th, 2016Lashenia W. from Homestead, FL writes:
This really has me in a depression, every job I've applied to that has called me back dis connects with me after the ,"Are you bilingual" question. And I answer no I'm constantly getting told I qualify but the company is looking for some one fluent in Spanish. It's ridiculous at this point.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 6th, 2016Joseph wood parker s. from Sunland, CA writes:
I have worked in La.thirty three years twenty eight years licensed state smog tech now when i call about smog jobs they want to know if I'm bilingual I am a ase master L1 also brake and Lamp lic. Here it's not big companies it's small business owners the people who are here now. Now I have to turn out auto repair at sixty. that is if they hire me.my mother came from France and my farther was American lndian .our government has sold us out making money handle over fist over lmmirgration.That's when Bush passed us over.they didn't need our taxes.then the last one went all over apologizing for our us policies bend over.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 6th, 2016Joseph wood parker s. from Sunland, CA writes:
I have worked in La.thirty three years twenty eight years licensed state smog tech now when i call about smog jobs they want to know if I'm bilingual I am a ase master L1 also brake and Lamp lic. Here it's not big companies it's small business owners the people who are here now. Now I have to turn out auto repair at sixty. that is if they hire me.my mother came from France and my farther was American lndian .our government has sold us out making money handle over fist over lmmirgration.That's when Bush passed us over.they didn't need our taxes.then the last one went all over apologizing for our us policies bend over.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 6th, 2016Joseph wood parker from Sunland, CA writes:
I have worked in La.thirty three years twenty eight years licensed state smog tech now when i call about smog jobs they want to know if I'm bilingual I am a ase master L1 also brake and Lamp lic. Here it's not big companies it's small business owners the people who are here now. Now I have to turn out auto repair at sixty. that is if they hire me.my mother came from France and my farther was American lndian .our government has sold us out making money handle over fist over lmmirgration.That's when Bush passed us over.they didn't need our taxes.then the last one went all over apologizing for our us policies bend over.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 6th, 2016Erin M. from Lewisville, TX writes:
This is America; the majority of people here speak English, not Spanish. No one learned the languages of my ancestors - why should we suddenly all be required to know Spanish for these immigrants? I'm in my 30s, when it is MUCH harder to learn a language, and on top of it, I don't have time. I have a family, a job...when would I learn a language? Since I'm not the immigrant, I should not have to learn a new language to survive in this country. That is their responsibility.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 5th, 2016Someone from Simi Valley, CA writes:
I guess being born in this country is now a crime.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 5th, 2016Someone from San Antonio, TX writes:
Late 30's, educated, intelligent and I want to work! Over the last year I have attempted to re-enter the working world after caring for my children, only to discover the language of my country is insufficient; in fact, I would do better finding work without an education, experience, or even citizenship IF ONLY I spoke Spanish! Certainly no one told me this was a necessity in grade school or in college and it wasn't a requirement when I worked in my 20's. Now I find myself unable to care for my family and forced out of the job market. I have begun to wonder if there are places left in the country where English would be enough. Although I'm loathe to leave my home state, it is clear to me that the requirement that EVERY individual in a business or city office speak a second language (not the one I studied, either) means I am unemployable.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 5th, 2016Someone from Dallas, TX writes:
I agree with this petition. l have special skills/training as well, and am seeing this all the time, during my months long job hunt. It should NOT be legal to require this... If I moved south of the border, I would be expected to learn Spanish to be able to work!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 5th, 2016Someone from Berwyn, IL signed.
Dec 5th, 2016Someone from Moreno Valley, CA writes:
I've been seeing a lot of jobs stating you must know Spanish. I don't understand why in America it is a necessity to know Spanish. Spanish immigrants should be required to learn America's native tongue which is ENGLISH!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 2nd, 2016Someone from Balch Springs, TX writes:
Copy of job at a hospital in Dallas Texas. I am qualified except for ONE THING>>>> I DO NOT SPEAK OR WRITE SPANISH. SEE FIRST REQUIREMENT I AM SCARED. ........................COPY OF JOB POSTING ONLINE............... Responsibilities: Gathers patient data regarding condition Take vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration, height and weight and documents in medical records Prepare examination rooms by arranging sterile instruments on tray and stocking rooms with appropriate medical supplies Perform routine laboratory functions such as cleaning and maintaining laboratory and examination room equipment and disposal of medical waste Obtain blood specimens from patients through venipuncture and capillary collection and obtain urine specimens Documents ALL interactions with patients / families which take place via phone or face-to-face Assists physician/nurse practitioner as needed Requirements: Bilingual, both verbal and writing in Spanish <<<<<<<<<<<<<(THIS IS STOPPING ME!!!!!!) High school diploma or equivalent Medical Assistant education program BLS/CPR Certification 1 year of related experienceREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 2nd, 2016Mary M. from Balch Springs, TX writes:
Copy of job at a hospital in Dallas Texas. I am qualified except for ONE THING>>>> I DO NOT SPEAK OR WRITE SPANISH. SEE FIRST REQUIREMENT I AM SCARED. ........................COPY OF JOB POSTING ONLINE............... Responsibilities: Gathers patient data regarding condition Take vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration, height and weight and documents in medical records Prepare examination rooms by arranging sterile instruments on tray and stocking rooms with appropriate medical supplies Perform routine laboratory functions such as cleaning and maintaining laboratory and examination room equipment and disposal of medical waste Obtain blood specimens from patients through venipuncture and capillary collection and obtain urine specimens Documents ALL interactions with patients / families which take place via phone or face-to-face Assists physician/nurse practitioner as needed Requirements: Bilingual, both verbal and writing in Spanish <<<<<<<<<<<<<(THIS IS STOPPING ME!!!!!!) High school diploma or equivalent Medical Assistant education program BLS/CPR Certification 1 year of related experienceREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 2nd, 2016Someone from Balch Springs, TX writes:
I've been searching for a job for a few months and am having a very hard time because it seems that everyone "prefers Spanish" or in some cases actually state in the job ad "Spanish and English speaking and writing only". This is for Medical Assisting. I'm applying at the hospitals in Dallas and so far every single one has posted Spanish speaking in their list of qualifications. I didn't take Spanish in High School and at my age can barely remember English, much less learn a new language. SOMETHING definitely needs to be done. I'm becoming more and more depressed and feeling hopeless about this. Posting in case anyone else is feeling this way. I'm very tired.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 1st, 2016Richard C. from Bakersfield, CA writes:
I'm an Air Force veteran. I served to protect those that speak a multitude of languages. Now that I'm looking for work, I shouldn't forced to learn another language just to secure a job. I also shouldn't be turned away from a job because I don't speak multiple languages. If the Air Force required me to learn another language, they would have taught me another language.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 30th, 2016Someone from Whittier, CA signed.
Nov 28th, 2016Someone from Bronx, NY signed.
Nov 27th, 2016Someone from Hollywood, FL writes:
After all the dangerous things have occurred due to incompetent Spanish construction workers on the 595 / Airport project sofla cubanos have maintained their stranglehold on the South Florida economy. I am tortured every day since losing my 26 year old son who was an accomplished construction worker who could not get a construction job in the last 4 years. But he was so talented he went to work for himself as a mechanic and rented a house with electric issues owned by cubans. his sin was they wouldn't take him seriously about his skills because he wasn't cuban. He told the cubans the incompetent cuban "electrician" didn't know what he was doing, but cubans wouldn't listen. I am praying for some wisdom and answers. r.i.p. zakREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 27th, 2016Ashley from Orlando, FL writes:
I don't have time to learn a second language when I'm trying to pay the bills. Glad there's a petition for this.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 26th, 2016Beverly M. from Modesto, CA writes:
In the past six months I have applied for over 300 jobs and still don't have one. Too often I see jobs listed that I am more than qualified for except "must speak Spanish." The California education industry is especially discriminatory in this practice. I'm sure there are a lot of people being hired because they speak Spanish even though they may not otherwise be qualified, which explains why the same jobs come up months later. If I were to move to another country I would learn their language, it's not only respectful but necessary to live an independent life.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 24th, 2016Someone from Edinburg, TX writes:
It is unfair to make it a requirement in the United States of America to speak Spanish. I live in a border state so I've seen that discrimination first hand. If we moved to Mexico we would be expected to learn Spanish. We need to stop babying immigrants from Mexico.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 23rd, 2016Larry C. from Los Angeles, CA writes:
Yet another reason why all low skill jobs go to Latinos. I'm sick of coming across must speak Spanish job ads on search engines like indeed.com.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 23rd, 2016Someone from Albuquerque, NM writes:
it is unfair to place the burden on non-spanish speakers to learn spanish instead of on people who came here and never bothered to learn english. if i moved to mexico i would expect to have to learn spanish. why not require both groups to attend free classes in the other language, sponsored by the employer so that both could be "semi-fluent"? that is more fair.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 22nd, 2016Someone from San Jose, CA writes:
Here's what's happening in California schools: Hispanic students are now 80% of the population. A. Hispanic students are given preferential treatment: 1. Programs to assist them through K-12 (Bilingual classes, support classes) & pathway to college. 2. Allowed to leave before Thanksgiving and return after the New Year. They go to Mexico. 3. Now Mexican Principals, counselors, staff-all accommodating & encouraging Hispanic students-All speaking Spanish to eachother B. Schools know of Illegal students: Most are Mexicans 1. Majority are on government assistance: a. Drive newer vehicles (suvs & foreign) b. Have cell phones c. Wear designer clothes & shoes d. Have braces on their teeth 2. Some are gang related 3. They voice allegiance to Mexico, not USA (& say Trump should be killed) 4. Take up seats in a class-a legal student might need that class (college & some high school) to graduate, but will have to wait C. No longer is the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the USA being said D. Families smuggling & harboring illegal immigrants are breaking the law, but have no respect of our laws, yet expect preferential treatment E. Many drive but do not have insurance F. Most jobs in schools & government now require being bilingual-Spanish As a country, we need to require our citizens to speak English. We can not keep accommodating every need of a group of people by interpreting for them, but we must expect them to be more responsible by learning our English language and show Nationalism by following the laws.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 22nd, 2016Someone from San Jose, CA writes:
Get rid of bilingual requirements! America is an English speaking country. Finding an interpreter is the individuals responsibility (use family or friend). That's how we've done it in the past. Our government & school systems are to blame. We accommodate non-English speaking people so much, they do not feel the urgency to learn English and assimilate American Nationalism.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 22nd, 2016Someone from San Jose, CA writes:
Get rid of bilingual requirements! America is an English speaking country. Finding an interpreter is the individuals responsibility (use family or friend). That's how we've done it in the past. Our government & school systems are to blame. We accommodate non-English speaking people so much, they do not feel the urgency to learn English and assimilate American Nationalism.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 22nd, 2016Someone from Miami, FL writes:
I have been jobless for over 7months now just because I am not Spanish speaker. I have so much experience and a degree but not a job. I have to pay for my expenses and survive in this country. I have rights too. I studied and followed rules and got a degree to be able to live a decent life like Spanish speaking people. This is ridiculous and it is not fair for us. Please someone do something.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 21st, 2016G S. from Modesto, CA writes:
So if we all see this as discrimination why is it happeningREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 18th, 2016Someone from Long Beach, CA writes:
After losing my job as a medical transcriptionist due to my department being outsourced and to technology advancement, I have encountered many obstacles to finding another job--which include not being bilingual, my age of 64, many ridiculous requirements for knowing numerous software programs, etc. There are many jobs I could do easily with my past experience as a secretary, but when the job description lists "bilingual required", I cannot apply since although I had 3-1/2 years of Spanish in high school and college, I am not fluent. I also am reluctant to apply for jobs saying "bilingual preferred" as I think it is a waste of my time as I will be passed over in the screening process. This is highly discriminatory towards US citizens, especially older citizens who did not have the privilege of learning Spanish in school when they were young, and now are shut out of many jobs. Years ago, and I believe even now, learning a second language is only a requirement if transferring to a university, and it is very difficult to become fluent in another language unless you have lived in that country or been immersed in a culture where the other language is spoken daily. This gives immigrants a definite advantage in obtaining these jobs and is discriminatory against US citizens. I believe this should be outlawed and immigrants coming to the US should be required to learn English in order to function in this country.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 18th, 2016Someone from Long Beach, CA writes:
After losing my job as a medical transcriptionist due to my department being outsourced and to technology advancement, I have encountered many obstacles to finding another job--which include not being bilingual, my age of 64, many ridiculous requirements for knowing numerous software programs, etc. There are many jobs I could do easily with my past experience as a secretary, but when the job description lists "bilingual required", I cannot apply since although I had 3-1/2 years of Spanish in high school and college, I am not fluent. I also am reluctant to apply for jobs saying "bilingual preferred" as I think it is a waste of my time as I will be passed over in the screening process. This is highly discriminatory towards US citizens, especially older citizens who did not have the privilege of learning Spanish in school when they were young, and now are shut out of many jobs. Years ago, and I believe even now, learning a second language is only a requirement if transferring to a university, and it is very difficult to become fluent in another language unless you have lived in that country or been immersed in a culture where the other language is spoken daily. This gives immigrants a definite advantage in obtaining these jobs and is discriminatory against US citizens. I believe this should be outlawed and immigrants coming to the US should be required to learn English in order to function in this country.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 18th, 2016Someone from Long Beach, CA writes:
After losing my job as a medical transcriptionist due to my department being outsourced and to technology advancement, I have encountered many obstacles to finding another job--which include not being bilingual, my age of 64, many ridiculous requirements for knowing numerous software programs, etc. There are many jobs I could do easily with my past experience as a secretary, but when the job description lists "bilingual required", I cannot apply since although I had 3-1/2 years of Spanish in high school and college, I am not fluent. I also am reluctant to apply for jobs saying "bilingual preferred" as I think it is a waste of my time as I will be passed over in the screening process. This is highly discriminatory towards US citizens, especially older citizens who did not have the privilege of learning Spanish in school when they were young, and now are shut out of many jobs. Years ago, and I believe even now, learning a second language is only a requirement if transferring to a university, and it is very difficult to become fluent in another language unless you have lived in that country or been immersed in a culture where the other language is spoken daily. This gives immigrants a definite advantage in obtaining these jobs and is discriminatory against US citizens. I believe this should be outlawed and immigrants coming to the US should be required to learn English in order to function in this country.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 16th, 2016Renee J. from Cape May, NJ writes:
WOW--you son=und like a complete idiot!! I can think of hundreds of jobs where being bilingual is an asset, not just a few skilled occupations. It is foolish to think that Spanish Americans don't utilize the same services as us, whether it be a retail establishment like the dry cleaner or supermarket, or a service like mental health counseling or tax preparation, everyone has similar needs. I don't understand how you think its discrimination to choose an applicant that is more useful to more customers than one that is language-limited-- that doesn't even make sense. I'm a white English-speaking American and I strive to be bilingual and raise my children the same. The work force is greatly changing; it's time to adapt and strengthen your skills or suck it up. Bilingual is a must at this stage ion the game.REPORT COMMENTS
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