[Erem]

> All other groups were expected to assimilate and join the melting pot.

I partially agree. Counter evidence is that Little Italy, Chinatowns and the like exist and have done for many decades. Ethnic clubs like Sons of Italy persist. Some Pennsylvania Dutch still don't speak English, and still set themselves apart. But at the same time, many from those groups join the majority culture and leave their old languages behind.

In this respect I don't see modern immigration in America any differently. Newer immigrant groups have their culture enclaves, but many from those groups also enter and adopt the majority culture.

> I don't think you thought it through before you wrote this

You're misreading my comment. For most of us, the locals at time of ancestor arrival had already displaced the natives to whom you refer