"The pattern of adaptation goes in the opposite direction as if they are assimilating to not only the good but to the bad in American society," Rumbaut said.

The trend among second- and third-generationers is troubling, said Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports reduced levels of immigration.

Unlike their immigrant parents who compare their American situation to conditions back home that are likely worse, the second generation, Camarota said, compare their situation to what they see around them.

"I think there is this misperception generally about assimilation ... that the greatest challenge is to assimilate immigrants," he said. "It's usually the children, in a way, that are more troubling. ... The story of those kids is going to be the most important story of the next 50 years."

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