Children of Immigrants Succeed in America
Posted Nov 21, 2008
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The U.S. Census Bureau's data reflect a growing trend of diversity among America's youth. A recent press release from the U.S. Census Bureau News estimated that, by 2023, more than half of U.S. children will be members of minority groups. This trend is expected to continue, with studies showing that these children shape American culture as they assimilate into existing U.S. culture, and thrive in the process.
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Census Results Reported and Analyzed in Media
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The results of these Census Bureau projections have been analyzed and reported in the media. The NBC Nightly News included the issue in a recent segment and noted that, by 2050, it is estimated that the number of people who identify themselves as being of two or more races will more than triple. Regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers may recall a similar discussion of 2000 U.S. Census results covered in our April 1, 2000 article, entitled Census 2000 Guidelines on Multiple-Race Responses.
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Immigrant Children Join American Mainstream Culture
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Researchers at Harvard University and City University of New York have released a study of children of first-generation immigrants to the U.S. entitled Inheriting the City (PDF 160KB). This study focused on second-generation (children born in the U.S. to at least one immigrant parent) and 1.5 generation (children born abroad who entered the U.S. before age 12 and remained here) children in and around New York City. The study found that the majority of young adult New Yorkers are of immigrant origin, whether born to immigrant parents or entering the U.S. as children or young adults. It also examined how these children of immigrants assimilate into our culture. The research findings reflected that the bicultural nature of these children does not prevent them from joining mainstream life.
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Second-Generation Immigrant Children More Successful
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The NBC news segment also cited research from South Florida and Southern California, from a study conducted at University of California-Irvine and the Center for Migration and Development at Princeton University, which shows that second-generation immigrants are better equipped to succeed in American society than their parents. These children do better academically than their native-parentage peers, and tend to speak accent-less English. NBC used Dumbarton Middle School as a case study for this news segment. The magnet school in Towson, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb, has students from 37 countries and mirrors the growing diversity in America.
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Conclusion
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We at the Murthy Law Firm applaud NBC for reporting on the positive benefits that immigrants and their families bring to the United States. Immigrant parents should be proud of the successes and accomplishments of their children, who contribute to this country and culture. As noted in the studies, education is a priority for many immigrant communities, which has resulted in success for many. The U.S. Census Bureau produces and analyzes data that underlies many valuable studies and research projects.