Is Cultural Assimilation Even Possible?

The Washington Post provided an article on Bush's new immigration task force:

Ruiz's idea lies at the heart of a question that has recently entered the national immigration debate, one some researchers say is important as new trends challenge old integration patterns: Should the government encourage assimilation?

The Bush administration is taking steps to do that. The Task Force on New Americans, created by executive order last year, recently presented initiatives that supporters say will help immigrants "become fully American."

Among the government initiatives is a Web site to direct immigrants to information on benefits, English classes and volunteer work. Another site offers resources for English and citizenship-test teachers. More than 12,000 copies of a tool kit containing civics flashcards and a welcome guide in English and Spanish have been distributed to libraries. This fall, the government has scheduled eight regional training conferences for civics and citizenship instructors. The task force is to deliver more recommendations to President Bush after convening discussions on assimilation with immigrant advocates, teachers and local officials around the nation.

The push to assimilate is interesting, particularly immigrant perspectives on what it means to be an American.

However, I am beginning to wonder how exactly one defines "American." I think it extends far beyond the simplified definition often given - an English speaking patriot.

With our collection of cultural habits and quirks, what does it mean to be uniquely American?