Originally Posted by janeway
Please forgive me for wondering. I wasn't aware that wondering whether something is/is not true was equivalent to claiming that something is/is not true.
"I doubt that any European countries would (unless said immigrant has mucho dinero or celebrity status)." Sounds like a bit less than wondering. In any event, it's clear that such doubt applied to European countries writ large is misplaced, for some and then some certainly do accept immigrants who don't speak the "official" language and don't have mucho dinero or celebrity status.
Bolding added for emphasis:
Originally Posted by janeway
I wonder if there are any other developed countries in the world that accept immigrants who don't speak the "official" language? I doubt that any European countries would (unless said immigrant has mucho dinero or celebrity status).
Originally Posted by GUWonder
I don't share your doubt.
Of countries in Europe that weren't in the Soviet sphere, most accept immigrants who don't speak the official language(s). And most such persons accepted as immigrants are neither rich nor holders of "celebrity status".
I'm afraid you are mistaken. I know of at least two countries (France and the Netherlands) that require would-be immigrants to speak the native "official" language prior to acceptance as citizens.
I was afraid I was not mistaken; and I wasn't.
Also, a person who couldn't speak French was made a citizen of France earlier this year too. Unless a miracle happened, she wouldn't be speaking French today either. Perhaps not the norm, but it happens.