What amazes me is how some people are totally ignorant about previous immigration waves. One-third the immigrants from Europe returned home in a short time --- there were no social services, no government handouts, no WIC, no food stamps for the losers. Even though that trip was very long and difficult --- back then those who couldn't make it here had no safety net and went home.
You're right -- far too many people take for granted the terrifying ordeal experience on the way to Ellis Island, and then the procedure itself.
These folks got in line like cattle, with NO guarantees, and NO welfare whatsoever -- accepting that the mere opportunity of plying their respective trade and calling America their new home -- and proudly doing so was well worth their blood, sweat and tears.
And again -- these people WANTED to be "Americans."