I know a grown woman who has lived here for 27 years, and cannot speak conversational English at all.
And she finds that she doesn't need to.
She is the mother of a friend.
Many of my neighbors have been my neighbors for years, and still they don't speak a word of English.
It's very difficult communicating with them.
In places like Miami (the former) and LA (the latter), learning English is completely superfluous, and there are tons of people who do not assimilte. I don't know the exact percentage, but it is significant.
So what???...what do you think little Italy was like circa 1935? Here is a hint, if you spoke English, nobody would understand you.
You must not be reading the other posts...Someone who is from Mexico can live here for 27 years and not learn much English because they will always think of Mexico as their homeland...BIG DEAL...their kids and grandchildren will not feel this way...I guaran-damn-tee it. Most immigrant children (who have been here for any extended period of time) speak English, and that is a fact.