The big difference between the large numbers of immigrants who came during the century following 1865 is those were seeking better opportunities and were willing to embrace Americanism in both social and political constructs that resulted in active participation in its economic prosperity, whereas most immigrants now are only willing to embrace America's economic constructs with its resultant prosperity, foregoing incorporation into American society or learning US history.
Mr. M's four grandparents came to America in the very early years of the 20th century. The men worked in steel mills. While they may have retained their language and customs at home, they were eager for their children to be as American as anyone else, to speak proper English, to do well in school and succeed. Many Americanized their surnames.
They
wanted to become Americans (without hyphens) and they didn't want to change America into anything else.
