Free Executive Summary

Demographic Foundations of the Latino Population

Foreign-Born Latino Population by Place of Birth (2000 Census)

• Top Three Places of Residence:

  • Mexico:

    • California: 42.8%

    • Texas: 20.5%

    • Illinois: 6.7%

  • Central America:

    • Costa Rica:

      • Florida: 18.3%

      • New Jersey: 17.2%

      • California: 17.0%

    • El Salvador:

      • California: 44.0%

      • Texas: 12.4%

      • New York: 9.4%

    • Guatemala:

      • California: 44.0%

      • New York: 6.9%

      • Florida: 6.7%

    • Honduras:

      • Florida: 18.7%

      • California: 16.5%

      • New York: 15.3%

    • Nicaragua:

      • Florida: 44.5%

      • California: 29.2%

      • New York: 4.6%

    • Panama:

      • New York: 24.9%

      • Florida: 17.3%

      • California: 11.5%

  • Caribbean:

    • Cuba:

      • Florida: 73.7%

      • New Jersey: 6.3%

      • California: 4.7%

    • Dominican Republic:

      • New York: 59.3%

      • New Jersey: 13.3%

      • Florida: 9.7%

    • Puerto Rico:

      • New York: 30.7%

      • Florida: 14.1%

      • New Jersey: 10.8%

  • South America:

    • Argentina:

      • California: 23.4%

      • Florida: 22.4%

      • New York: 14.3%

    • Bolivia:

      • Virginia: 29.3%

      • California: 15.4%

      • New York: 10.7%

    • Chile:

      • Florida: 19.7%

      • California: 19.4%

      • New York: 15.7%

    • Colombia:

      • Florida: 30.9%

      • New York: 21.9%

      • New Jersey: 13.7%

    • Ecuador:

      • New York: 46.6%

      • New Jersey: 17.9%

      • Florida: 9.7%

    • Peru:

      • Florida: 19.4%

      • California: 19.1%

      • New Jersey: 16.2%

    • Paraguay:

      • New York: 29.8%

      • Florida: 10.5%

      • New Jersey: 7.3%

    • Uruguay:

      • Florida: 21.7%

      • New Jersey: 21.1%

      • New York: 16.7%

    • Venezuela:

      • Florida: 44.2%

      • New York: 9.9%

      • Texas: 6.8%

Geographical Distribution and Migration Patterns

• Settlement Characteristics:

  • California and Texas are primary ports of entry and absorption for Mexican, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan immigrants.

  • New York, New Jersey, and Florida are leading destinations for Caribbean and South American immigrants.

  • Approximately 70% of Hispanics reside in five states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.

• Recent Trends:

  1. Increasing diversity in national origins in urban areas previously dominated by specific groups.

  2. Growing geographical dispersion to new destinations outside traditional immigrant hubs.

• Diversity in Interaction:

  • New York is now home to Dominicans, Ecuadorians, Panamanians, and Paraguayans—shifting from its historic Puerto Rican dominance.

  • Florida, while still predominated by Cubans, has become a significant settlement area for Hondurans, Nicaraguans, and Colombians.

Changes in Population Proportions

• Demographic Growth (1990-2000):

  • Significant population growth in traditionally non-Hispanic states:

    • Nevada: Tripled.

    • Georgia: Quadrupled.

    • North Carolina: Nearly quintupled.

• Segregation Patterns:

  • Cubans have retained concentrated residency in Florida, unlike other groups that are diversifying.

  • The dispersal seen in the 21st century deviates from earlier patterns of concentration followed by eventual dispersal of immigrant groups.

Implications for Future

• Population Growth Projections:

  • The Hispanic population is expected to rise from 35 million in 2000 to 101 million by 2050, achieving 24.6% of the total U.S. population.

  • Higher fertility rates among Hispanics ensure continued demographic increase, even without immigration.

• Cultural Identity and Labor Force:

  • A significant rise in Latino's representation in the labor force from 11.5% in 2000 to 25% by 2050.

  • Increased educational attainment among Hispanics with college degrees rising from 10% to 25%.

• Assimilation and Integration:

  • Potential rise of a panethnic Hispanic identity despite differences among national groups.

Conclusion

• Changes in family dynamics are noted within the context of rapid demographic shifts. Factors such as immigration patterns, socioeconomic status, and cultural values contribute to the evolving landscape of Hispanic families in America.