I think that the main difference is back when waves of italian immigrants were coming into the US (1900-1960) there was great pressure for these immigrants to learn the English language and American culture or starve. In the modern era post 1960, we cater towards the new wave of south american immigrants and make it easy for them to survive here without ever having to learn a word in English or even work a job after they have a child in this country. Everything has and english and spanish option and as long as you have a child in this country we will pay for your housing and food via tax dollars from the rest of us.