US Immigration History

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Questions and Answers

What regions have been the primary sources of immigration to the United States since the 1970s?

Asia, Mexico, and Latin America

What percentage of Los Angeles' population is comprised of foreign-born individuals?

One-third

What percentage of California's population is made up of racial minorities?

One-fourth

What is the proportion of Americans who are members of a racial minority group?

This demographic trend is expected to remain constant into the next century. Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of school children in 16 states and the District of Columbia who are racial minorities?

One in three Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of college students who are racial minorities?

One in five Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary industries that have created millions of jobs in the United States, attracting large numbers of Latino and Asian immigrants?

Service, retail, clerical, and light manufacturing Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of California in relation to the current wave of immigration to the United States?

A third of new immigrants enter the United States through California Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the rapid growth of racial minorities in the American population?

Increased immigration and high birth rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of Latinos living in the United States today?

Over 25 million Signup and view all the answers

What are the various subgroups that make up the Latino population in the United States?

Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and those from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Central and Latin America Signup and view all the answers

What is the projected trend for the demographic makeup of the American population in the next century?

Racial minorities will continue to grow as a proportion of the population Signup and view all the answers

What demographic change is projected to occur in the American racial minority population?

Latinos are projected to surpass African Americans as America's largest racial minority population. Signup and view all the answers

How does the United States rank in terms of Spanish-speaking population?

The United States has the fifth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of reduced state and federal aid on racial minorities?

The economic dislocation has intensified racial intolerance and worsened social ills such as joblessness, poor education, and a biased legal system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a historical precedent for the current resurgence of xenophobia in the United States?

The arrival of Irish immigrants in the mid-19th Century, Chinese immigrant track workers in the late 19th Century, and immigration from southern and eastern Europe in the early 20th Century. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the issue of multiculturalism in the context of American society's rapid demographic change?

It has gained considerable resonance and importance in understanding the true nature of American society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism leveled against the multicultural curriculum in higher education?

It has been indicted as both 'un-American' and heretical. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immigration Trends

Since the 1970s, a large number of Latino and Asian immigrants have arrived in the United States, surpassing the immigration from southern and eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A third of new immigrants enter the United States through California, earning it the title of America’s new Ellis Island.

Demographic Shifts

Racial minorities are the fastest-growing segment of America’s population due to high birth rates and immigration.
One in four Americans are members of a racial minority group, with one in three school children and one in five college students being minorities.

Latino Population

The number of Latinos in the United States has increased by 50% since 1980, with over 25 million Latinos currently living in the United States.
Latinos are projected to surpass African Americans as America’s largest racial minority population.
The United States now has the fifth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world.

Urbanization

Predominantly Latino cities have emerged in America, such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, New York City, and Miami.
Los Angeles has the second largest population of Mexicans in the world, while Houston has the third largest.

Socio-Economic Challenges

The economic dislocation of the last quarter-century has intensified racial intolerance, with people of color facing social ills like joblessness, poor education, and a punitive legal system.
Xenophobia has resurged due to widening racial and class divisions, leading to anti-immigration legislation and hate crimes.

Multiculturalism

The rapid demographic change in American society has highlighted the importance of multiculturalism and the need for a culturally diverse curriculum in higher education.
However, the concept of multiculturalism has faced resistance, being labeled as "un-American" and heretical.

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Description

This quiz covers the history of immigration in the United States, focusing on the recent wave of immigrants from Asia, Mexico, and Latin America. Learn about the numbers and patterns of immigration, and how it compares to previous waves. Test your knowledge of this important aspect of American history!