“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, California 3

“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 ( ) 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 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 taste SABER – to know