[durasell]

Almost all immigrant groups pass through the same phases of small business, criminality, entertainment, etc. etc. etc. Today the process takes much longer and the process may have even been distorted or evolved to some degree.

[1010RD]

Skewed by government welfare programs and protected “victim” class status, no doubt.

[Cronos]

"Almost all immigrant groups pass through the same phases of small business, criminality, entertainment, etc. etc. etc" -- that's only true for the poorer, less skilled migrants from the 1700s and 1800s. First the Germanics came and they followed that route you chalked out. Then, the Irish, then the italians, then the Eastern Europeans (with a sizable number of Jews).

Then, immigration laws banning non-European immigrants were lifted and highly skilled Far East Asian and Indian immigrants came -- THEY didn't follow the pattern you listed as they were highly skilled and not the "poor, huddled masses".