I am shock and awed that we even have to take this step. I am 3/4 second generation off the boat (German, Irish, Italian) and 1/4 Dutch (literally from the Mayflower). The 3/4 off my grandparents who made it here from Europe all learned the language and busted their ass. The old time money grandparent lived off old money, lost it in the depression, and became a raging alcoholic. My wife's family escaped from Castro, and like the vast majority of Cubans, are kicking ass. Not learning english was never an option for them.
Point being, sink or swim baby. Any safety net (welfare, old money, etc...) takes away your drive and dooms you to almost certain failure.