I used to do a lot of work on immigration when I was at the American Enterprise Institute. But my files are long since scattered to the winds. I’m looking for the data which backs up the argument that during previous immigration waves, most notably at the turn of the century, many immigrants went home because they couldn’t hack it here. Since we didn’t have a social welfare state, only the immigrants who had the boot-strap gumption to tough it out stayed here. I’ve heard this argument many times and have made it, but for the life of me I can’t find the numbers. Anyone out there want to help me out?