Yep, you've hit the nail on the head PB, I get the impression there used to be an actual serious attempt by the vast majority, not all obviously, immigrants to actually do well in the US and it wasn't just about themselves they thought about, it was their kids, grandkids, great grandkids etc. THATS why they wanted to learn the language as best they could etc etc. It was the land of opportunity - still is, but I think that phrase has become a bit skewed over time...its more about the now and what people can take