Final answer:
Assimilation is the process by which a minority group gives up its own identity to adopt the characteristics of the dominant culture. Waves of immigrants have assimilated into U.S. culture over time, sometimes leading to the loss of cultural identity for minority groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assimilation is the process by which a minority individual or group gives up its own identity by taking on the characteristics of the dominant culture. In the United States, assimilation has been a function of immigration, with waves of immigrants eventually becoming absorbed into U.S. culture. Assimilation can lead to the loss of the minority group's cultural identity as they become assimilated into the dominant culture.