“Latino Nation”Hispanics and the U.S.

“Latino Nation” Intro Quiz• How many MLK Day presentations deal with Hispanics and/or Latinos?

• What was Iowa’s Hispanic population growth from 1990 to 2000?

152%

5!

• How many U.S. states have a MAJORITY Hispanic population?

Texas, New Mexico, California3

“Latino Nation” Intro Quiz

• What percentage of Mexicans would like to live in the U.S. if they could? 46%• What are the five largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world?

Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, U.S.

“Spanish has become the U.S.'s de facto second language . . .” (“The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America,” Time Magazine, 22 August 2005)

“ . . . Latinos are the future of Iowa.” (“Iowa Sees Hispanic Growth,” Des Moines Register, 12 August 2005)

“Latino Nation” . . .

“Latino Nation”: How Can We Tell?

• 1 in 8 Americans is Hispanic • (2050) 24.4% of total U.S. population Hispanic• (2001-2004) 49% of total growth in U.S. pop.• 72% growth in 20-fastest growing cities in U.S.• immigrant diversity declining = Mexico (16% in 1980 & 31% in 2004)

Latino Educational Crossroads

• Highest dropout rates in High School • Highest CC enrollment• Highest dropout rates at all college levels• Academic decisions @ 13• Biggest pull is FT work• Family context shapes & influences choices

“Hispanics aren't just in the mainstream, they're shaping it.”

“Us” versus “Them”?

“Them” Becoming “Us”

• immigration NOT tied to economic performance• immigrants arriving having HAD jobs • illegal flow outnumbers legal flow

• largest minority• fastest-growing• internal/external growth factors• majority-minority states on the rise

“Does It Affect Me?”

“We are the culture of the future.”

“Latino Nation” . . . Chistes

SABOR – to tasteSABER – to know