Why do they expect Americans to learn Spanish?

Americans??    North Americans??  South Americans??   Which one you talking about.   The Major Language south of the U.S. Border is Spanish.  Spoken all through Central America and South America.   If you go to Europe you will find people there can speak at least Three Languages.   Why Can't People from the United States learn other Languages??  It makes for better relationships.

You do realize that the Spanish-speaking people have been present in what is now the United States since the 15th century, long before the first English-speaking settlers arrived, don't you?

Spanish for them is a SECOND language ( I guess).

In my Neighborhood they are delighted if "I" Speak the Spanish Version of the English words I have Spoken. Occasionally I throw in a French, Italian, or Sushi Bar Quip. The reaction is Stellar.I love being corrected.
Haste' La vista. L0L

No one expects you learn Spanish. I, for one, partially learned French.

It's about being educated. It certainly would not hurt to know what "Matarala" means. And not to say thank you when they say "Cochina" to you.

Who is "they"?

Around the world, everybody who has the chance learns a second language, and a third.  Only retards and chauvinists don't