Differences today in immigration
Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 6, 2005
Large areas of the West had not been settled and much of the infrastructure had to be built. This is not the situation today.
The early immigrants endured many hardships as they crossed mountains and deserts.
Some of them burrowed in the ground in their sod houses and, if the winters were long, sometimes died from cold or starvation.
If they worked in industry, there were few safeguards or compensation for injuries.
Today, immigrants receive many services and protection.
Also, early immigrants considered the move permanent. There was seldom anything to go back to, and casual visits were impractical.
For that reason, they set about learning English and becoming citizens. And because they did not want to be seen as "greenhorns," they tried to adapt to American customs.
I am not sure immigrants today have that same attachment to the United States.
At a soccer match between Mexico and the United States, most fans waved Mexican flags, booed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and pelted the American players. In Los Angeles.
It seems at least some of our Pluribus do not wish to be Unum.