Having lived in S.A., Austin, and other heavily Mexican-populated areas of Texas, I have noticed that many of the ones that are here long enough do assimilate, work hard and have the same goals as everyone else. They aren't trying to turn Texas into Mexico. Hell, most of their kids can't even speak Spanish. They want to be able to afford a house, a car, send the kids to college, watch football on TV, BBQ in the backyard and many other things that we are all here to strive for and enjoy.
Yep, that's what I see too. FWIW, my generation equivalents that I know don't know how to speak Spanish, though they may understand some of it because their parents did, and their kids think speaking Spanish is stupid.
And for those living down by the border, well, a lot won't go over to Mexico for anything. They fear the lawlessnes just as much as anyone else.
I've also encountered plenty of the "just got here" illegals that squeeze a dozen in a 2-person occupancy apartment, work day labor and spend most of their money getting drunk and high all night while listening to loud music. I don't see them as being lazy, but they do have a certain disregard for the law and other people's property.
I see that, too. I happen to think that their kids will be the same as the ones we've seen before. It would help if there weren't several hundred thousand a year arriving to act the same way and give the kids the idea that that's how this country works. I still think we'll change them more than they'll change us even so.
Yep, that's what I see too. FWIW, my generation equivalents that I know don't know how to speak Spanish, though they may understand some of it because their parents did, and their kids think speaking Spanish is stupid....
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My spouse's parents immigrated from a European country. My MIL speaks English with a heavy accent despite living in the US for over 50 years. Everyone thinks her accent is quaint. My spouse is equally fluent in both languages The children in the next generation understand a little but speak nothing of the European language. I've seen immigrants from that country fall into the same patterns as those described on this board. Going to a new country is hard irrespective of the reasons for moving. After a few years you blend or you leave or get kicked out. That's the way it should be anyway IMHO.
I daresay if I moved to any other country I would stick out like a sore thumb. But I would try to behave myself in a civil manner and become a productive member of the population.