Interpreting the Evidence
"Latinos in the Northeast," National Community for Latino Leadership, Inc., November 1998
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
Excerpt from "Latinos in the Northeast: Myths and Realities," by Louis Nunez, from the National Community for Latino Leadership, Inc., November 1998.
Historical Context
The Latino population in the northeastern United States, as defined as those living in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, increasingly became the dominant ethnic minority of the region during the 1990s and in the first decade of the twenty-first century.
Since the 1970s Hispanics and Latinos have been categorized as an ethnic group rather than a racial one. During the 1990s Latinos represented about 12% of the national population. Within the next decades, Hispanics had far exceeded estimated growth to make up nearly 18% of the U.S. population, becoming the largest minority group in the United States. Although Latinos were still living mostly in the five most populated states, their presence was felt in all states and regions of the country. While Mexicans continue to be the dominant ethnic group, Latinos diversified as a whole during this time. The Mexican population in the Northeast skyrocketed during the years following the twentieth century. Dominicans would ultimately surpass Puerto Ricans as the dominant group in New York. In 1990 Latinos were the most highly urbanized group the United Sates, at over 90%.
Since the 1970s Hispanics and Latinos have been categorized as an ethnic group rather than a racial one. During the 1990s Latinos represented about 12% of the national population. Within the next decades, Hispanics had far exceeded estimated growth to make up nearly 18% of the U.S. population, becoming the largest minority group in the United States. Although Latinos were still living mostly in the five most populated states, their presence was felt in all states and regions of the country. While Mexicans continue to be the dominant ethnic group, Latinos diversified as a whole during this time. The Mexican population in the Northeast skyrocketed during the years following the twentieth century. Dominicans would ultimately surpass Puerto Ricans as the dominant group in New York. In 1990 Latinos were the most highly urbanized group the United Sates, at over 90%.
Essential Question
How does immigration impact the relationship between different cultural groups within a community?
Check for Understanding
Identify the main idea of this document and explain the impact of immigration on various cultural groups.
Historical Challenges
The Hispanic/Latino population in the United Sates by the end of first decade of this century surpassed all estimates and predictions, with Hispanics becoming the largest minority group in the country. Research three American cities or metropolitan areas to determine how they have been affected by the growing Latino community. Make predictions as to how these changes will impact those cities or areas, as well as this nation, in the near future.
Research why immigrants came to the United States from Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. List the similarities and differences in their reasons for coming. Where did they settle?
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math: Make a pie graph of the population of New York City or another major city in New York State that shows the ethnic/racial make up of the people there.
English Language Arts: After you research 2007 population figures, rewrite the essay using those statistics.