Immigrant assimilation in the 21st century

What can we learn about race today based on the assimilation of ethnic groups from previous periods of mass immigration to the U.S.? White ethnics like the Polish-, Irish- and Italian-Americans all have immigrant roots. These groups were once considered cultural or religious minorities, and thus subjected to stigmas and exclusion from mainstream institutions and/or opportunities that were reserved for native-born whites. Because of their “assimilation” after a few generations, however, the white racial privilege of these groups is unquestioned today, and their ethnic identities are experienced as “symbolic ethnicity.”
But, what about the assimilation of new American minorities? Do you think that the descendants of today’s immigrants (e.g., Asians, Latinos, Muslim Americans, and other more recent arrivals) will experience a similar process of racial integration? Will they also attain “white privilege”? Or instead, as some have proposed, could some of our current minorities be included in the privileged white category while others are excluded? Alternatively, could the white/non-white, majority/minority distinctions become less (or more) meaningful in this 21st century? Can you provide an example of how your prediction would work?
[Hint: Since we are speculating about the future, there is of course no single right answer. But be ready to support your projections with facts, historical record, or any applicable concept we have learned regarding race dynamics and immigration. Use specific examples whenever possible.]
Instructions: Your contribution will consist of 2-3 paragraphs in answer to the question posed above, plus replies to the responses of at least two other students. After posting your initial response, you will be able to view the responses of other students and then post your own reactions. As with any other written assignment, use your best writing style, including proper spelling and grammar. The deadline for all postings is Sunday by 11:59PM.

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