posted by Spockthey came to better themselves by pulling up their boot straps and working for it. THey also assimilated to OUR country.
The difference today is the poeple coming here are coming to take advantage of a welfare state, send their $ back to their country and not assimilate while they are at it.
There are so many people that come here for the exact same reason your ancestors did - to provide a better life for their families. In many cases, they had to experience significant trials just to make it to the US. They work hard and contribute to our society in both labor and in the taxes they pay. Assimilation happens too. Good thing you weren't around when first generation Italians or Germans spoke their native languages while here.