You don't have to reject your (Catholic) upbringing and language in order to assimilate here (Northern PA), but you need to be less dependent (on it).
Yep, way too over simplified, but it works for me to this day.

Case in point: Those successful immigrants in CONUS speak (English) and know our culture to exactly what level? Do they need to speak English or even understand American Society to succeed?

OK, it's not war or social and political upheaval. Or is it?