ERIC ED385403: [Focus on Immigration.]

19 Pages·1995·0.69 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
RC 020 110
ED 385 403
Hartman, Chester, Ed.
AUTHOR
[Focus on Immigration.]
TITLE
Washington,
Poverty and Race Research Action Council,
INSTITUTION
DC.
ISSN-1075-3591
REPORT NO
95
PUB DATE
NOTE
19p.
Information
Serials (C22)
Collected Works
PUB TYPE
Analyses (070)
Poverty & Race; v4 n2 p1-10,12-18 Mar-Apr 1995
JOURNAL CIT
MFO1 /PCO1 Plus Postage.
EDRS PRICE
*Advocacy; Blacks; Civil Rights; Demography; Ethnic
DESCRIPTORS
Bias; Ethnic Groups; *Immigrants; Immigration;
Migrants; Poverty; Public Policy; *Racial Bias;
*Racial Identification; Racial Relations; Social
Action; *Social Problems; Stranger Reactions
*Immigration Legislation; *Latinos
IDENTIFIERS
ABSTRACT
This journal issue consists of articles and other
discussions of the
information about immigration issues, as well as
"An International
utility of racial and ethnic categories.
intertwined
Perspective on Migration" (Cathi Tactaquin) examines the
international
economic, political, and environmental causes of
North American
migration; discusses how development policies such as
flows across borders; and
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ignore labor
California's
suggests that anti immigrant measures such as
intolerance; and
Proposition 187 respond simplistically to heightened
issue, a manifestation of
suggests that migration is an international
economic development and conflict that
uneven social, political and
countries and
requires cooperation and collective action among
Movement's Response" (Bill
regions. "Immigration and the Civil Rights
anti-immigrant policies and
Tamayo) examines the racist elements of
forcefully
calls for civil rights groups to come together and
Los Angeles: A
articulate the issues involved. "Latino Immigrants in
Werner Schink,
Portrait from the 1990 Census" (David Hayes-Bautista,
Latino immigrants in Los
Gregory Rodriguez) summarizes data on
estimates of undocumented
Angeles County, including census count,
assistance,
immigrants, labor force participation, use of public
these new
education, and family characteristics; and compares
"Job Competition
immigrants to immigrant Anglos of an earlier era.
(Paul Ong, Abel Valenzuela,
between Immigrants & African Americans"
joblessness and
Jr.) focuses on the impact of immigration on the
between the ages of
earnings among black males in Los Angeles County
high school education.
18 and 24, and 18 and 64 with no more than a
perspectives on the meaning of
Also included in this issue are four
and other
racial and ethnic categories and their uses in the census
and as a focus for
data collection, in federal policies and programs,
"Immigration: Myths & Facts";
political and social organizing; a quiz
rights organizations; and a bibliography of
a list of immigrant
(Murray-Herrnstein). (LP)
materials criticizing "The Bell Curve;
FOCUS ON IMMIGRATION
POVERTY & RACE NEWSLETTER
MARCH/APRIL 1995
VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2
THIS
"PERASSION TO REPRODUCE
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BEST COPY AVAILABLE
Poverty & Race
POVERTY & RACE RESEARCH ACTION COUNCIL
March/ Apri11995
Vobane 4: Number 2
An International Perspective on Migration
by Cathi Tactaquin
There
are over 100 million mi-
The United States receives less than
of restrictions and resources devoted to
I% of the world's migrants on an
grants (immigrants and refugees) in the
immigration, these measures have had
annual basis. Nonetheless, it has re-
world today. This unprecedented level
little, if any, impact on the sources and
has prompted widespread concern
sponded to the international crisis in
patterns of international migration.
migration by cracking down on un-
about the causes and consequences of
(Please turn to page 2)
documented immigrants, tightening
international migration. Although the
United Nations General Assembly re-
border controls, restricting access to
cently has taken steps to convene an
political asylum, and threatenint, im-
CONTENTS:
international conference on migration
migrant access to public assistance pro-
and development, migrant-receiving
grams. Most policy makers are quick to
Immigration..
countries such as the United States are
pander to racist and xenophobic fears
An irdematiorsal
developing national immigration pol-
and claims that immigration has be-
Perspective
icies that may seriously jeopardize the
come a primary source of this country's
Quiz
3
basic human rights and economic sur-
economic instability.
And the Civil Rights
vival of this growing population.
Despite the ever-increasing volume
Movement
5
Portrait of LA County
Latinos
7
Jobs Competition
9
this issue of P&R focusses
on immigration: an international perspective
...
Fighting the Contract
on America's "problem"; the myths and the facts (in quiz form); the civil rights
11
movement's response to this issue; a portrait of Latino immigrants (from Los
Racial/Ethnic Categories
Angeles County), offering important data on their characteristics, labor force
Symposium (Pad II):
\
participation, use of public assistance, education, family life, and how these
....
Ibrahim Sundials
13
new immigrants compare with in-migrant Anglos of an earlier era; and an
Carol Korenbrot
14
impc rant, data-driven (and likely controversial) discussion of the issue of jobs
Nathan Glazer
15
competition between immigrants and Blacks. As usual, we welcome com-
Chits Hansen
17
ments from readers and will consider continuing coverage in forthcoming
issues.
More Anti -Murrayisna
13
In our May June issue, we plan to focus on affirmative action; we solicit
Criminalizing
your ideas for what to cover, whom to request articles from, and your own
Homelessness
19
offers to contribute.
O
Poverty & Race now goes out to some 7,300 readers.
Thank; to
NI
Finally, we welcome our new Assistant Director, Steven White (see p. 23),
Contributors
21
and offer our deep appreciation to Joe Lucero for his first-rate work over the
O
PRRAC Update
23
last year and a half, as well as our best wishes for his new life in the Big Apple.
Resources
23
Chester Hartman
Executive Director
Poverty & Race Research Action Council
OH Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, ix- 20009
Suite 207
FAX [phone]
202/387-9887
Recyckd Pope
without legal permission to remain in
dividual persecution. Mos' current
Continued from page 1)
(1NTERNATL:
countries where they live. The United
conflicts are taking place within
States receives an estimated 200,000-
countries rather than between theta.
Sources of
300,000 undocumented immigrants
Environmental: Millions of people
annually.
International Migration
land
have been displaced because the
About 20 million migrants are dis-
is
they live on has become toxic or
placed within their own countries and
Historically, some factors have con-
unable to support them. While some
have not crossed international boun-
sistently influenced migration flows,
conditions are the result of natural
but dramatic political and economic
daries.
disasters, much environmental degra-
The refugee population has more
changes over the last decade have pro-
dation is caused by humansnational
than doubled over the last decade and a
duced new migrant populations and
interests
and multinational business
half: over 20 million today, compared
immi-
patterns that defy "traditional"
that disregard protections or purposely
with an estimated 8.5 million in 1980.
gration controls and have led to a
ravage natural resources.
Seventy-five percent of these refugees
widespread belief that international
Ethnic tensions: Many of the highly
have moved to bordering countries in
migration has indeed reached crisis
publicized refugee flows today have
developing regions, which are most
proportions. Many experts consider it
been traced to ethnic tensions un-
hard-pressed to accept new and often
global issues
one of the most significant
leashed by national instabilities and
rapid increases in population. Refugees
of our time, reflecting economic and
conflicts or fomented by political ad-
within Asia
are the most numerous
societal failures to provide adequate
versaries. In the process of national
about 10 million peoplewith about
jobs and shelter, environmental pro-
consolidation, some minority groups
5.5 million in Africa and 4.5 million in
tection and the preservation of basic
breaking
may be viewed as obstacles,
Europe. By contrast, advanced coun-
national identity or
human rights.
up a country's
tries such as the United States and
The root causes of international mi-
dividing political loyalties.
Canada together receive just over
gration are several and often inter-
I
twined, so that traditional categories,
million refugees.
Because migration has become such
The United States receives
such as labor migration, family reunifi-
international
an important issue, recent
cation or asylum-seeking, are no longer
less than 1% of the world's
fora, such as the U.N.'s International
clear-cut
migrants.
Economic: While economics is a
Conference on Population and Devel-
opment (ICPD), held in Cairo
last
major cause of displacement, migrants
September, have been strongly criti-
who come from impoverished condi-
cized for their insufficient treatment of
tions are likely to have been affected by
The destinations of migrants have
other factors, including political and
the migration question.
also significantly shifted over the last 30
Sending countries were especially
social unrest not formally acknowl-
have always
years. Migration patterns
frustrated at the ICPD by the attitudes
edged as endangering human rights
been affected by such factors as geo-
of Western nations, typically the receiv-
graphic proximity, historical and
conditicns.
ing countries. A particularly heated
Political: Most of today's refugees
political ties, culture, language and so
debate broke out over the issue of
generalized
are fleeing conditions of
forth. But the dominant flow is South
family reunification, which sending
violence and hostilities rather than in-
significantly
to North, a trend that has
countries felt should be preserved in the
increased in the last few decades, and
official conference document as a"right"
with the United States as a particular
Poverty d Race (ISSN 1075-3591) is
of migrant people. However, Canada,
magnet for migrants from developing
published six times a year by the
the United States and European nations
countries. However, there is still con-
Poverty & Race Research Action
opposed the language, offering a com-
siderable migration among Northern
Council, 1711 Conn. Ave. NW #207,
promise that merely "encouraged" na-
countries, and more so among countries
Washington, DC 20009, 202/387-
tions to consider family reunification in
in the South. Obviously, 99% of the
9887, fax: [phone]. Chester
determining their immigration pol-
world's migrants do not come to the
Hartman, Editor; Catherine M.
iciesan action which the sending
United States, despite current national
Dorn, Editorial Assistant. There is
countries, predominantly composed of
but
no charge for the newsletter,
fears that the country is being overrun
people of color, felt was just one more
donations are encouraged. Articles,
by "hordes" of the foreign-born.
example of the racial hostility of the
article suggestions and general com-
of
ments are welcome, as are notices
predominantly white receiving nations.
Who Are the Migrants?
publications, conferentts, job open-
While the conference made gains in
ings, etc. for our Resources Section.
asserting the centrality of the empow-
The International Organization for
Articles generally may be reprinted,
erment of women in addressing resolu-
Migration estimates there may be about
providing PRRAC gives advance
tions to ripidly escalating population
30 million "irregular" migrant work-
permission.
page 4)
I Please turn to
ers -those who are undocumented or
4
March! April 1995
Vol. 4. No. 2
Poverty & Race
2
Quiz
Immigration: Myths & Facts
The following quiz was prepared by the Applied Research Center (25 Enbarcadero Cove, Oakland, CA 94606)
as part of
one of 15 "issue study groups"for its Campaign on Community Safety & Police Accountability. Answers to the quiz are
on page 6.
I. In the last 4 years, the poorest immigrants arriving in the U.S. came from:
A) Africa
C) Central America
B) Asia
D) Former Soviet Union
2. The area with the highest percentage of immigrants to the U.S. who are high school graduates is:
A) Europe
B) Central America
C) Africa
D) Asia
3. The immigrant population that earns the highest median household income in the U.S. is:
A) Mexican
B) English
C) Indian
D) African
4. In 1910, the U.S. population was 15% foreign-born. In 1990, the foreign-born
perc,ntage of the population was:
A) 8%
D) 22%
C) 18%
B) 10%
5. Studies by the Urban Institute show that for every 100 new immigrants:
A) Employment decreases by
jobs
C) Employment increases by 46 jobs
B) The number of jobs stays the same
D) It's impossible to tell how the job market reacts.
6. A recent Los Angeles County study showed that the county spent $2.45 billion in 1991-92
on schools and other
services for resident immigrants. In that same period, resident immigrants:
A) Paid no taxes
C) Paid $4.3 billion in taxes
B) Paid $1.7 billion in taxes
D) It is impossible to calculate the amount of taxes
7. Nationally, immigrants receive about $5 billion annually in welfare benefits. Approximately
ho .v much do they earn
and pay in taxes?
A) Earn SIO billion, pay $1.3 billion in taxes
C) Earn $100 billion, pay $15 billion in taxes
B) Earn S15 billion, pay $3 billion in taxes
D) Earn $240 billion, pay $85 billion in taxes
8. Increased immigration tends to:
A) Produce higher wages for immigrants
C) Produce lower wages for immigrants
B) Produce higher war:, for U.S. citizens
D) Produce lower wages for U.S. citizens
9. A 1992 survey found that it is common for Americans to
go to Mexico for health care: 90+% of Mexican physicians
surveyed had treated Americans. The major reason U.S. citizens go to Mexico for
treatment is:
A) They believe that Mexican doctors are more qualified
B) Mexican doctors take all brands of insurance
C) Mexican doctors and prescription drugs are cheaper
D) The climate is better
10. In Northern California, undocumented immigrants and refugees seeking political
and economic asylum may be
jailed and:
TRUE
FALSE
A) Not be accused of any crime
B) Are allowed bail
C) Are allowed a public defender
D) Are not allowed trial by jury
E) May be placed in maximum security
F) Women may be locked-down for up to 22 hours/day
March' April 1995
Poverty & Race
Vol. 4, No. 2
3
5
ilies was created to augment existing
countries are taking steps to restrict
(INTERNATL: Continued from page 2)
covenants, further delineating the grow-
immigration in ways that have little
ing classes of people not residing in
impact on migration pressures, but
growth, the ICPD did not make any
their countries of origin. The Conven-
which will severely limit the rights and
headway in confronting the impact of
tion faces an uphill battle before it
mobility of immigrants already residing
international development policies on
"comes into force" (it requires full
in those countries.
population and consequent pressures
ratification by 20 countries, and only a
Many countries around the world
towards increased migration. Of course,
few have ratified it thus far). Even when
not just the major receiving nations-
such gross omissions served the political
it gains recognition, its provisions are
have growing percentages of foreign
and economic interests of the Western
still subject to the civil laws of each
nationals living within their boundaries,
nations that continue to dominate such
country. However, it does set the basis
and in many instances, migrants,
international gatherings and which re-
for promoting international rights
whether documented or undocumented,
sist fetters on their development policies
standards in this era of the global
have few, if any, rights protections.
and practices. The debacle over family
workforce, and provides a framework
reunification, however, stirred sending
for evaluating national proposals deal-
country delegates to press for an inter-
Pursuing International
ing with immigration. California's anti.
national conference on migration and
immigrant initiative, Proposition 187,
Protections
development, a controversial proposal
for example, certainly violates the spirit
now under consideration at the United
and intent of international tnigranti'
The U.N.'s 1990 Convention on the
Nations.
rights protections.
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Such a conference would likely ad-
Workers and Members of Their Fam-
(Please turn to page 6)
dress long-range measures to alleviate
migration pressures, including: eco-
nomic growth, investment and cooper-
ative aid programs; easing the develop-
Immigrant Rights Organizations
ing countries' tremendous debt burdens;
promoting fair trade policies; educa-
tion, health care access and economic
Mexican American Legal Defense
AFSC/Imndvadon Law
opportunities, especially for women in
& Educational Fund
Enforcement Monitoring Project
developing countries; and generally,
634 S. Spring St., 11th
5711 Harrisburg
developing more stable economic en-
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Houston, TX 77011
vironments.
213/629-2512
713/926-2799
Migration, Development
National Immigration Forum
An Law Caucus
220 I Street NE, #220
and Trade
468 Bush Street, 3rd floor
Washington, DC 20002-4362
San Francisco, CA 94108
202/544 -0004
There is strong feeling among devel-
415/ 391-1655
oping countries that as trade and de-
velopment policies and agreements are
National Immigration Law Center
Center for Human Rights
forged, the question of migration must
1102 S. Crenshaw Blvd., #101
& Consdtudonal Law
also be put on the table. This was an
Lcs Angeles, CA 90019
256 S. Occidental Blvd.
especially sore point in the negotiations
213/938-6452
Los Angeles, CA 90057
over NAFTA, which essentially rede-
213/830-2788
fineu the international border between
National Lawyers Guild/
the United States and Mexico by allow-
National Immigration Project
Center for Immigrant Rights
ing for the free flow of goods, resources
14 Beacon St. #506
48 St. Marks Place
and capital, but which omitted dixus-
Boston, MA 02108
New York, NY 10003
sion of the obvious flow of labor across
617/227 -9727
212/505-6890
bordersa permanent and essential
element of the global economy.
National Network for Immigrant
Coalition for Immigrant &
In the meantime, as the scope of
& Refugee Rights
international migration in the new
Refugee Rights & Services
310 8th Street, Suite 307
995 Market Street, 11th floor
global economy continues to broaden,
Oakland, CA 94607
San Francisco, CA 94103
considerable concern has arisen for
510/465-1984
415/243-8215
rights protections for migrants-- and
for foreign nationals residing tempor-
arily in new countries. Most receiving
March! April 1995
Vol. 4, No, 2
Poverty & Race
4
Immigration and the Civil Rights Movement's Response
by Bill Tamayo
The civil rights
movement in the
organizationsdid not oppose em-
efforts were designed to stem immigra-
United States is currently confronted
ployer sanctions because of sharp
tion from Africa, Latin America and
by numerous social issues of unprece-
division in its ranks.
Asia. The racial component of these
dented complexity: concerted attacks
A 1990 GAO study confirmed the
policies was vividly illustrated as immi-
on affirmative action, increasing racial
predictions of discrimination in its
grants from Turkey, the Middle East,
violence and hatred, questions about
finding and found that nearly 20% of
Africa and Asia were victims of racial
the "genetic ability" of African-Ameri-
employers admitted discriminating
violence throughout Western Europe
cans to excel, and the lack of political
against Asians and Latinos (citizens
in the early 90s.
and lawful permanent residents)
leadership in government to address
In the United States, these policies
because of IRCA. Armed with this
these issues.
translated into proposed curbs on the
Passage of California's Proposition
political asylum process, rapid deporta-
187 (the so-called "Save our State"
tion, increasec border enforcement
Racism has dominated
in November 1994 drove
initiative)
(without provisic as for oversight) and
home the message that immigrants, like
and continues to
efforts to deny undocumented immi-
many others in America, are a drain on
grants public services, a la Prop. 187. In
dominate Immigration
society. The public's perception of this
1993, California Governor Pete Wilson
policies in Me United
communitynonwhite, undocumented,
proposed denial of citizenship to U.S. -
States and other Western
criminally bent, welfare abuserswas
born children whose parents were un-
fueled by public officials and the media.
nations.
documented. Wilson chose to turn back
Not surprisingly, while African-Amer-
the clock to an era when U.S.-born
icans, Latinos and Asian Americans
African-Americans and Native Ameri-
voted against 187, whites voted for it
cans were denied citizenship by law.
evidence, Latinos and Asians, joined by
2- I
While this effort was unsuccessful,
.
the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
The general alignment of all civil
Wilson touched an extremely hot
Under Law and the NAACP Legal
rights groups in California against
button and realized that fanning the
Defense and Educational Fund (LDF)
Proposition 187 was positive. However
flames of xenophobia was not only
and many others, convinced the
that alignment does not yet reflect a
popular but provided the key element
NAACP to revisit the question. Then
common view on the broader questions
for his re-election.
NAACP Director Benjamin Hooks
of undocumented immigration, immi-
The recently introduced Personal
successfully urged his membership to
grants rights and immigration policy
Responsibility Act sponsored by Re-
reverse its position. The Leadership
overall.
publicans would deny legal permanent
Conference eventually came around,
As recently as Spring 1990, the
residents over 40 social services and
but only after Latino groups publicly
NAACP supported the employer
benefits, including SSI, AFDC, Medi-
voiced their consideration of withdraw-
sanctions provisions of the Immigration
caid and representation by Legal Aid
ing membership.
Reform and Control Act of 1986,
lawyers funded by the Legal Services
which bars the hiring of undocumented
Corporation.
persons and requires some verification
Immigration-Bashing
of work authorization. While IRCA
= Racism
The Task for Civil
was being debated in Congress, Latinos,
Asians and members of the Congres-
Rights Groups
Racism has dominated and continues
sional Black and Hispanic Caucuses
to dominate immigration policies in the
condemned the measure as discrimi-
United States and other Western na-
What should the civil rights move-
natory. But the NAACP's Washington
tions. As recently as 1993, in response
ment do amidst this cacophony of hate,
lobbyist in 1985 asserted that because
to a World Bank report that over 100
racism and nativism? Foremost, the
of job competition between the undoc-
million people have left their home
movement must draw out the com-
umented and African-Americans, the
countries and to a related report by the
monalities among the communities it
United Nations High Commissioner
organization supported sanctions. And
seeks to represent and on whose behalf
the Leadership Conference on Civil
for Refugees, the G-7 countries (United
it is advocating. Allowing to go unchal-
Rightsthe nation's premier coordi-
States, Germany, France, Italy, Can-
lenged the pattern of blaming similarly
nating mechanism for civil rights advo-
ada, Japan and Great Britain) adopted
situated victims of racism for one's
policies to restrict immigration and
cacy before Congress and the Eiecutive
plight would be a striking setback. If
Branch, representing some 185 national
deny quick access to asylum. These
(Please turn to page 6)
March' April 1995
Poverty & Race
Vol. 4. No. 2
5
fense & Educational Fund, and Asian
immigrants' rights, there have been
(CIVIL RIGHTS: Continued from page 5)
organizations vociferously opposed the
proud moments. The ACLU was
measure. These experiences lay the
formed out of challenges to the
anything, the current heightened racial-
foundation for a more concerted effort
roundups and deportations of immi-
ized climate serves as a painful reminder
and
to protect the rights of immigrants
the Palmer
grant labor activists during
that many of us are in the same boat and
beat back the racism that underlies
Raids of 1919-1920 and continues to
need not blame each other for being
anti-immigrant measures. More impor-
rights
represent immigrants in civil
there. Even perceptions that nonwhite
tant, that joint practice serves to build a
matters. In 1915, the NAACP success-
but nonblack minorities who may or
common vision about who is respon-
fully defeated a Senate amendment to
the
may not be citizens should not be at
sible for this climate of hate ano racism,
deny admission to persons of African
table of civil rights debate do an injustice
and leads to a decrease in interethnic
descent, and in 1952 argued for defeat
like
to the vision of civil rights leaders
hostilities.
of the dangerous McCarran-Walter
Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X
Civil rights groups have an important
Act, which maintained the racist na-
and others who approached the issue of
mission in this period. They must be
tional origins quotas in our immigration
civil and human rights with a global
able to more forcefully articulate the
laws. During the Proposition 187 cam-
and internationalist perspective.
issues of the immigrant population,
paign, the Urban League, NAACP
While the history of the movement
including the undocumented, and assert
LDF, Mexican American Legal De-
has been inconsistent on the issue of
that this community is part of the civil
rights community. They must assert
that working together and drawing the
Answers
lessons are the main ways in which we
Immigration: Myths & Facts
can survive this period of vitriolic scape-
goating and "racialized patriotism" in
Union are among the poorest and the least
I. D. Recent immigrants from the former Soviet
according to the U.S.
which nonwhites and noncitizens are
employed, far more so than Latin American or Asian newcomers,
Immigrant Diversity," Si i
Francisco
being jointly demonized without mercy.
Census. (Source: "Census Data Reveal Wide
Bill Tamao, a PRRAC Board
Examiner, Sept. 23, 1993.)
high school diploma and 47% had a
member, is Managing Attorney at the
2. C. Almost 88% of African immigrants had a
Bureau study. Africans, as a group, are
Asian Law Caucus (468 Bush St., 3rd
bachelor's degree or better, according to a Census
only 77% of U.S.-born adults have a
also better educated than the general U.S. population:
_fir., San Francisco, CA 94108; 4/5/
degree or higher. (Source:
high school diploma and just over 20% have a bachelor's
391-1655).
Shows," Contra Costa Times,
"African Immigrants Best Educated in the U.S., Census
Sept. 2.3, 1993.)
from the United Kingdom was
3. B. The median household income for an immigrant
(1,VTER.V.411_ ( onlinued from page 4/
Most Central American and
$41,158. Japanese immigrants carne in second at $35,487.
for Mexicans was S16,712, and
African immigrants were in the high teens. Median income
Vietnamese (SI2,507). Laotians
The tendency of countries to build
Indians ranked 7th at S22,231. The lowest paid are
(S8,248). (Source: "America's Diverse
($ I 1,750) and those from the former Soviet Union
higher walls in an attempt to block
Immigrants," San Francisco Chronkk, Sept. 23, 1993.)
immigration in no way addresses the
educated, why is their median
complexities of migration, but is a
Question to ponder: If Africans as a group are the highest
scale?
household income (S17,871) in the lower half of the income
simplistic response to heightening ig-
Bureau demographer who authored the
norance, racial intolerance and xeno-
4. A. The figure is from Susan Lapharn, a Census
Reveal Wide Immigrant Diversity,"
phobia. Migrationnot just immigra-
Bureau's study on immigrants. (Source: "Census Data
San Francisco Examiner, Sept. 23, 1993.)
tion into any one countryis an inter-
File, Sept., 1993.)
national issue, a manifestation of
5. C. (Source: Study cited in "From Bill to Pete," Race
uneven social, political and economic
Race File. Sept.. 1993.)
6. C. (Source: Study cited in "From Bill to Pete" in
development and conflict that requires
Economy," Business Week, July 13,
7. I). (Source: "Immigrants: How They're Helping the
cooperation and collective action
1992.)
among countries and regions.
immigration, immigrants
R. C. "Although wages fell in California during the recent wave or
Cathi Tactaquin, a PRRAC Board
Wave," by Thomas Muller
absorbed most of the adverse impact." (Source: "The Fourth
Quick Reference Guide to
member, is Senior Research Associate
and Thomas Espenshade. 1985, cited in "Advocate's
Immigration Research," National Council of La Raza, Aug.. 1993.)
at the Applied Research Center, 25
Embarcadero Cove, Oakland, C A
'S A
it of American Health Care." Families
9. C. (Source: "Going to Mexico: Priced (
Immigration
94606 (5101534-1769). She is also a
Foundation, Nov. 1992, cited in "Advoca, f's Quick Reference Guide to
Research," National Council of I ,a Raza. Aug., 1991 1
member of the International Migrant
(Source: "Give Me Your Tired,
Rights Watch Committee, headytiart-
10. A) True; B) False; C) False: I)) True; F) True; El True.
The California Prisoner,
ered in Geneva. She attended last
Your Poor: The Jailing of Immigrants in Alameda County,"
Summer, 1993 I
Septensior's UN Cairo Conference on
Population A Development.
March, April /995
4, ,Vo. 2
Poverty & Race
Latino Immigrants in Los Angeles:
A Portrait from The 1990 Census
by David Hayes-Bautista, Werner Schink & Gregory Rodriguez
Inuit follows is a somewhat short-
Estimating the Undocumented: The
Labor Force Participation
ened version (and without charts or
PU MS data offer a new opportunity to
High Labor Force Participation:
estimate the size of the undocumented
footnotes) of a study of the same title,
Latino male immigrants are the most
population, in that they are based on an
published by the Alta California Policy
active participants in the Los Angeles
actual enumeration of people residing
Research Center (555 Flower St., Los
work force: their labor force partici-
in the county, with information about
Angeles, CA 90021, 2131629-2471).
pation rate far exceeds that of Anglo,
birthplace and date of arrival to the US
Contact them to obtair the complete
Black, Asian or US Born Latino males.
included. By a process of elimination,
report.
Fully 86% of Immigrant Latino males
in which those Latinos who are not
age 16 and older participate in the labor
Reasoned analysis of authoritative
likely to be undocumented are elimi-
force, compared to 77.8% for Anglo,
nated from the total Census figure, we
data sources has been in short supply in
76.2% for US Born Latino, 69.7% for
recent debates over immigration.
can approximate the size of the undoc-
Black and 75.3% for Asian males of the
Skewed estimates and dubious extrap-
umented population.
same age.
olations have been bandied about in a
Of the total number of Latino immi-
Low Rates of Not in Labor Force:
discourse that has become, at times,
grants in the County, 1,072,825 had
Latino Immigrant males are the least
increasingly illogical. While this coun-
arrived prior to 1982. Thus, they would
likely to leave the labor force: only 14%
try has every reason to consider its
have either arrived with full documen-
occupied the status of Not in Labor
tation, or should have applied for the
immigration policies carefully, the cur-
Force for 1990, much lower than the
rent climate of blame, fear and hyper- amnesty provision of the Immigration
22.2% of Anglo, 23.8% of US Born
bole has not afforded the issue of
Reform and Control Act of 1986; there
Latino, 30.8% of Black and 24.7% of
immigration the proper consideration
is no reason why any significant portion
Asian males age 16 and older.
of this pre-1982 group should, by 1990,
it deserves.
Hours Worked: Labor force activity
still have been undocumented.
Recently released data from the 1990
is also measured in hours worked per
Census, the Public Use Microdata
Of the remaining number, data from
week. A higher percent of Immigrant
the immigration and Naturalization
Samples (PUMS), finally allow for a
Latino males worked 35 or more hours
comprehensive analysis of Latino im-
Service provide a basis for refining the
per week than did males of any other
While Census PUMS
Census data. Between 1982 and 1990,
migrants.
.
.
.
group: 67.5% of such males worked 35
data are not flawless, because of the
the INS reported 273,282 Latinos ad-
or more hours per week, compared to
sheer volume of people enumerated
mitted to the US with documents who
62.5% of Anglo males, 56.8% of US
(over 440,000 respondents in Los
indicated their intention to ultimately
Born Latino males, 50.2% of Black
Angeles County alone) and the at-
reside in the Los Angeles-Long Beach
males and 60.5% of Asian males.
metropolitan region. In addition, the
tempts at completeness, these data form
Private Sector: The private sector of
the "gold standard" in population mat-
INS reported a total of 190,983 Special
the economy is the engine of economic
Agricultural Worker (SAW) applicants
ters.
growth. Immigrant Latino males are,
(a post -1982 amnesty program for agri-
by far, much more likely to be employed
cultural workers) from the Los Angeles-
in the private sector than any other
Latino Immigrants:
Long Beach region.
group: 76.8% worked in the private
Of the total 3,306,116 Latinos enum-
How Many?
sector, compared to 59% of Anglo,
erated in the Census of 1990, a total of
64.2% of US Born Latinos, 51.7% of
257,280 cannot be accounted for as US
The 1990 Census counted a total of
Black males and 66.2% of Asian males.
Born or presumably documented im-
3,306,116 Latinos in Los Angeles
Public Sector: Immigrant Latino
migrants, hence may be assumed to be
County. Of these, 1,511,744 were
males were, by far, the least likely to
undocumented. This figure indicates
Latinos born in the US. Thus, the US
work in public sector jobs, at the
that approximately 7% of the total
Born Latinos were slightly under half
federal, state, county, city or special
Latino population might be undocu-
(45.7%) the total Latino population.
level. Only 3.2% of Latino
district
mented in 1990. Because the PUMS
1,794,372 Immigrant Latinos in the
Immigrant males worked in govern-
data do not distinguish between docu-
County in 1990 are predominantly of
mented and undocumented immi-
Mexican origin, although there are
grants. the rest of this report will
315,798 Central Americans included in
present data on all Immigrant 1.atinos.
that figure.
(Please rune to page 8)
March' April 1995
Vol. 4, No, 2
Poverty & Race
7
9
the 1990 Census PUMS data show a
(LOS ANGELES: Continued .from page 7)
profile. Immigrant Latinos
SEND SASE (550)
different
were by far the least likely to receive
ment jobs, much lower than the 9.2% of
FOR A LIST OF PRRAC
Public Assistance: Immigrant Latino
Anglo, 11.1% of US Born Latino,
GRANTS TO DATE.
adults receiving Public Assistance repre-
17.7% of Black and 9% of Asian males.
sented only 16.9% of Immigrant Latino
Female Labor Force Participation:
adults in poverty. By contrast, Anglo
Although policy makers tend to focus
adults receiving Public Assistance repre-
exclusively on male labor force status,
Latino, 13.6% of Black and 4.4% of
sented 41.7% of Anglo adults in pov-
female labor force activity should also
Asian households.
erty; US Born Latino adults receiving
be considered. Females of all groups
Public Assistance represented 50.4% of
have lower labor force participation
such adults in poverty; Black adults
rates than males. While the rates for
Education
receiving Public Assistance were 64.6%
male participation varied quite a bit
Adult High School Non-Comple-
of Black adults in poverty; and Asian
(ranging from a high of 86% to a low of
tion: Immigrant Latino adults, age 25
adults receiving Public assistance re-
69.7%), female rates are grouped more
and older, usually come from the rural
presented 48.8% of such adults in
closely together. Latina Immigrant fe-
areas of Mexico and Latin America,
poverty.
males had the lowest ra'e of labor force
where elementary school education is
Immigrant Latino adults receive the
participation, but the 49,2% rate was
often all that is available. Thus, when
least income, yet have the least pro-
only slightly lower than the 54.8% of
enumerated in the 1990 Census, Immi-
pensity, by far, to utilize Public Assis-
Anglo females. 53.1(7 of I'S Born
grant Latino adults had the highest
tance programs.
Latina, 51.5% of Black and 54.8% of
percent of High School Non-Complet-
Asian females.
ion: 70.5% of Immigrant Latino adults
Even though the Immigrant Latina
Family
did not complete high school. This is a
rate is the lowest, it should be borne in
much higher percent than among Anglo
Couples With Children: Immigrant
mind that Immigrant Latina females
adults (14.4%), US Born Latino adults
Latino households are, by far, more
are many times more likely to be
(35.3%), Black adults (25.4%), or Asian
likely to be composed of the classic
married with children than Anglo, US
nuclear family--a couple with chil-
adults (20.7%).
Born Latina or Black. From that per-
dren- -than are households from any
spective. Immigrant Latina participa-
other group. Fully 49.6% of Immigrant
tion rates are extraordinary.
Immigrant Latinos
Latino households are made up of
& Immigrant Anglos:
Couples with Children. This is much
Income, Poverty
higher than the 18.4% of Anglo, 30.7%
A Comparison
of US Born Latino, 16.8% of Black and
and Public Assistance
California's metamorphosis into a
38.4% of Asian households.
virtual nation-state, was a product of
Non Family and Primary Single: In
Low Income: For all their activity in
people meeting resources, the values,
part because of their propensity to form
the labor force and economy, Immi-
dreams and hard work of millions of
Couple with Children households, Im-
grant Latinos are poorly rewarded.
individuals woven into policy. From
migrant Latinos are the least likely to
Their average household income of
1940 to 1970, the in-migrants who
form a household composed of Non
$29,989 was much lower than that of
nearly tripled the state's population
Family (unrelated adults in the same
any other group: $52,375 for Ang,lo.
were considered an essential asset. To
housing unit) or Primary Single (adult
$43,777 for US Born Latino. $32,813
built
accommodate them, the state
living alone). Only 19.5% of Immigrant
for Black and 549.042 for Asian house-
roads, aqueducts, freeways, schools
Latino households were of the Non
holds.
and the world's premier public uni-
Family and Primary Single type. By
High Poverty: Once again, in spite of
versity system.
contrast, 48.1% of Anglo, 31.9% of US
being the most active element in the
The foundation of post-World War
Born Latino, 45.1% of Black and 30.4%
labor force, Immigrant Latinos have
I I California was laid with civic money
of Asian households were composed of
the highest poverty rate of any group:
and a broadly shared civic consensus to
the Non Family or Primary Single
24.2% of Immigrant Latino adults live
invest in the new population and the
in poverty. By way of contrast, only
type.
future. The in-migrant population, and
Divorced Households: Immigrant
7.8% of Anglo adults. 13.2% of US
its children, were provided with re-
Latino households were the least likely
Born Latino adults. 19.2% of Black
sources for commerce, development
to be composed of a divorced house-
adults and 13.5% of Asian adults live in
and research, which, when combined
holder. Only 3.7% of Immigrant Latino
poverty.
with their vigor and character. created
households consisted of a divoiced
I ,ow Public Assistance: While there
wealth.
householder. This is much lower than
is a widely disseminated image that
(Please turn to page' I.
the 11.2% of Anglo, 8.1% of I'S Born
Immigrant Latinos are welfare abusers.
Mack April 1995
Fol. 4, No. 2
Poverty & Race
8
10