[Nevadan]

re: FWIW: Non citizen immigrants could vote in New York City elections through the 19th century. Stupidity then, insanity now.

I did not know that. However, there is a major difference between those who came here in the 19th century and so many of the illegal aliens who are coming now. The non citizen immigrants wanted and planned to become Americans. They did not for the most part continue their allegiance to the country they came from.

[M-cubed]

U are entirely correct.......

The difference is..Do they want to come here to work hard and enhance their future............or just move on by saying...Hell..... that was a great “Free Meal” ......

[Clemenza]

Not entirely true. German speaking ghettos lasted in the US until WWI, and the Irish weren't exactly yankee doodle dandies themselves. Ethnic and racial, to say nothing of religious tension was far worse 160 years ago.

The idea that people came to America to "become Americans" is 20th century revisionism. Even with a long boat ride, the assimilation process was slow, and took at least three generations even for northern European immigrants.