Yes they did OK in the U.S. but they could have done just as well if not better in Canada. They stayed because they enjoyed their rural life. As for achieving the American dream, that would have been easier in Canada and any number of other countries. Check out my article on America's social mobility myth which might help you better understand the current situation: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/david-martin/social-mobility-study-canada_a_23601542/