My mother came from Italy- and refused to teach us Italian because we were Americans!
In Mexifornia the illegals refuse to let their kids speak English. I e heard that from many anchor babies. Our schools waste billions teaching them English.
It’s sad but true - many want to come to the US for the benefits (including earning dollars, of which they send a sizeable amount back to Mexico) and don’t want to learn and abide by our laws, learn our language and accept our culture.
One of my grandfathers came from Austria-Hungary many years ago. He learned English (not easy for him - no schools to do so) as did all of his 6 children, upon his insistence. They were Americans now.
That should make it easier for them when they get sent back to Mexico.
And kudos to your mom for portraying the true American spirit!
I remember spending Christmas Eve at my paternal grandparents. They came from Italy. Gram would be cooking and my Gramp, Dad and Uncles would be playing cards at the kitchen table. There would be some loud, innocent yelling among the men..in Italian. My Gram would stop cooking, go to the table, hit it and say, “ speaka da English..speaka da English.” She knew that it was the right thing to do.