I used to say that as long as people came here and wanted to assimilate, that it didn't matter where they came from. However, as I'm seeing more and more, I'm doubtful whether those from the non-western world will ever fully assimilate into the mainstream. Studies are showing that most aren't, with the exception of some of the Asian communities.
I've come to the conclusion that for any of these groups to fully assimilate, it could take up to one hundred years, perhaps more. Thus, with the rate and number of third world immigrants arriving, or crashing our border every year, the likelyhood that we'll assimilate them into the mainstream is very unlikely, especially given the era of social identity politics, interest groups and hyphenated Americans.
I've also thought that many people aren't taking into account the human condition of people wanting to live around individuals who look, think, and act like them. All one has to do is drive around different areas of a major city to see the way different races and ethnic groups congregate amongst themselves. This is due to comfort, and I'm doubtful whether it will ever be different. I think that political correctness has led many to forget about these common, everyday behavior patterns. Sure, different groups have to associate with one another at work and at different places, but I do not see the same level of togetherness that I see among certain group members.
I've also often though that a main reason why third world immigrants don't want to assimilate is that they do not view the United States as their country, but rather see it as a European outpost, a beacon of western heritage and culture, something that is foreign and alien to them. Many of them also don't want to give up their culture, but instead want to hold onto their traditions and customs. I will agree that many of their children assimilate somewhat into society. However, its not like you'd see from an individual whose roots go back at least seventy five to one hundred years.
As much as people may disagree, I have to include the racial component. Race is and has been a part of life, and different races have viewed things differently. There are many within all races that view things in a racial perspective, and it is not any small margin. This goes for blacks, whites, Asians, "Hispanics", etc. This is one of the reasons, along with the dominant, easily seen evidence, that I think that if immigration is to occur, it has to be contained to the traditional, largest group, Europeans. Otherwise, given the socialist marxist ideals and basic human behavior, we'll most likely balkanize.
We need to consider the consequences of bringing in millions of people who don't choose to change their culture and never wish to assimilate.
The government doesn't give a damn about culture; it's the taxes. Word is on the street (several financial and investment advisers I have come in contact with lately) that SS will go down the tubes by 2011 or so (not the 30 or so years we've been told) without an influx of workers; illegal or otherwise to increase the tax base. Quickest way to do it is get the illegals in the US to start paying into the program, and encourage more foreign wage earners to come in and support us boomers when we retire.
Sui