B. Immigrants formed communities with other members of their ethnic groups.
Immigrants formed communities, often called "ethnic enclaves," with others from their own ethnic group in order to create a sense of familiarity and belonging in a new country. These communities often centered around shared cultural traditions, language, and customs. By living and working together in these communities, immigrants were able to maintain their cultural identity while also learning about American culture.
Over time, these ethnic enclaves began to merge and blend with each other and with the broader American culture, creating a unique American cultural identity that was shaped by the contributions of various immigrant groups. This process of cultural blending and integration is often referred to as the "melting pot" metaphor.
While other factors such as economic success, religious beliefs, and family connections may have also played a role in the formation of an American cultural identity among immigrants, it was the formation of ethnic communities that most contributed to this process.