Hispanic Heritage Month ends this week, and CTLN finishes its special series with a look ahead at the 2020 U.S. Census.
Despite the Trump administration trying to corral the nearly 60-million U.S. Hispanic, Latino population into one bucket, the emerging majority is very diverse.
According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, Venezuelans, Dominicans, and Guatemalans saw the fastest population growth…not Mexicans.
The Venezuelan population in the U.S. increased 76% to 421,000 in 2017, by far the fastest growth rate among Hispanic origin groups. Among groups with populations above 1 million, Dominicans and Guatemalans had the fastest growth, per the report.
Another interesting finding deflating President Trump’s incessant attacks on the immigrant community is that immigrants are a declining share of the Latino population. The share of Latinos in the U.S. who are immigrants declined to 33% in 2017, down from 37% in 2010, due in part to slowing international migration from Latin America.
BREAKING NEWS…to no one: The Pew Research Center also reports the majority of Latinos are U.S. citizens. About 79% of Latinos living in the country are U.S. citizens, up from 74% in 2010. This includes people born in the U.S. and its territories (including Puerto Rico). Of course, you wouldn’t think so from the Trump administration’s continued negative narrative.
Yes, Latinos do speak English! In 2017, 70% of Latinos ages 5 and older spoke English proficiently, up from 65% in 2010.
Hispanics, Latinos In Connecticut
About 540,000 Hispanics, Latinos call Connecticut home. Of the 50 states, Connecticut ranks 18th for the most number of Hispanics, Latinos, and 11th for the highest percentage of the population. The majority in the state are overwhelmingly Puerto Rican followed by Mexicans and Dominicans.
A majority of Hispanics, Latinos live in Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven. CTLN is committed to providing in-depth news and information on the 2020 U.S. Census in order to educate and empower all Connecticut communities.
SUGGESTION: Danbury’s Ecuadorians cling to culture but venture into politics
According to the Pew Research Center, there are 280,000 Hispanic eligible voters in Connecticut—the 15th largest Hispanic statewide eligible voter population nationally.
Hispanic voting increased significantly in the 2018 midterms as compared to the 2014 election in several states that allow early voting. There also was indications of an upward trend in several Connecticut cities, notably New Haven and Waterbury, with large Hispanic population.
SUGGESTION: Early voting seen as crucial to upping Latino turnout
Latinos who live and work in the U.S. were responsible for $2.13 trillion of gross domestic product in 2015, almost 12 percent of the country’s $18.04 trillion GDP, reports The Dallas Morning News.
Hispanic, Latinos represent 15 percent of Connecticut’s population, many own one of more than 300,000 small businesses driving the state’s economy.
SUGGESTION: Latino Entrepreneurs Optimistic and Gearing Up To Achieve Their Potential
Publisher’s Note: Watch for Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 – 10/15) special reports focused on community, arts & culture, education, economy, and politics.
