I think if one takes a look back through our history, they would see immigrants have almost never joined this country and immediately dropped their ties with their country of origin and wrapped themselves in Old Glory. I know from personal experience that my Norwegian ancestors who settled in northern Minnesota have clung very firmly to their Norwegian roots (to include speaking the language). Take a look around southern New Jersey and you see more Irish and Italian flags than American flags, and it has always been that way. The Little Italy's and Chinatowns that exist in every major American city are not a new phenomena. Neither are groups like the Pennsylvania Dutch and the Germans in Iowa. And the Cajuns down in Louisiana aren't speaking the Queen's English. The fact is, we tend to look at history in glasses tinted the color we want them to be, rather than with clear lenses. And times aren't as different now as we imagine them to be.
That we are not seeing today. Nearly enough from newer waves of immigrants.
I have (legal) Norwegian-immigrant Minnesota ancestors, too, and while they retained many customs, celebrated Syttenda Mai, spoke Norwegian at home, and were proud of their ancestry, they also immediately learned English, insisted that their kids learn and speak it, applied for citizenship after learning much of the history and lore of this country, signed up for service, and had no ambivalence whatsoever about identifying themselves as Americans. They also eschewed hyphenated-American self-identification.
The differences that separated them from many of today's "up yours, America" immigrants -- legal and illegal -- are almost limitless.
"It's the broad public knowledge, or intuition, in America, that we are not assimilating our immigrants patriotically. And if you don't do that, you'll lose it all."
True but what is taught in american schools today? Nothing to be proud of. our history is too white for many and others feel bad and the PC world has ensured little is taught and the unions have ensured little effort is made.
Well, all that was controlled immigration for the most part. And most of those wanted to be Americans, for the opportunity and the freedom America provided. Holding to your roots is not a bad thing. They learned english, kept thier own language, took on new holidays and kept thier old ones.
What we have now is a hostile foriegn nation goverened by a narco-kleptocracy encouraging its dregs to come here illegally, assisting them with maps....it's army provides cover for narcotics smugglers, human smugglers, weapon smugglers. And these people don't want to assimilate, they want reconquista.
If you cannot see the difference then you're blind.
It's going to get ugly if some of the views here on FR are any indication.
Keep your powder dry.