A Background on Immigration and the Hispanic Population in the United States

Latinos today make up the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States. With over 50 million individuals living in the U.S. in 2011, around 60 percent of the Hispanic population can trace their origin back to Mexico. Although Latinos have experienced less outright discrimination compared to other minority groups such as African-Americans, many still continue to struggle in obtaining better education and economic conditions here in the U.S.

Immigration has a positive long term effect on the Latinos' average work income. The constant inflow of immigrants has proven to raise the income of Hispanic workers. From the 1990s to 2006, immigrant employment has increased by as much as 11 percent, causing a 2.86 percent real wage increase for every average Latino worker in the United States. According to the Migration Policy Institute's study on the impact of immigrants in recession and economic expansion, immigration has a positive effect on job creation and salaries, even during an economic downturn.

Latin American immigrants are employed in a wide range of industries and fields in the United States, positively contributing to the country's economy in a variety of ways. Among the top industries that hire Hispanics include manufacturing, education, healthcare, and social assistance services.

Immigration reform and laws can help shape a more positive future for the country's economy and its overall average income, but the government needs to take certain measures in order to allow everyone to reap the benefits.

Building a Latino Community of Solidarity through Relevant News and Commentary

Hispanically Speaking News is dedicated to providing immigration news headlines and articles that help meet and address the economic and social welfare of the country's Hispanic immigrant community. We remain steadfast in reporting and discussing issues that can help live up to the promise of greater opportunity and equality in the United States.

We work hand in hand with a variety of newsmakers, writers, journalists, business people, public officials, and organizations in presenting the latest, most accurate information on how immigration reform efforts are shaping the Hispanic community in the U.S., and we aim to educate the general public about the various contributions that Latinos have made to the country's economy and society.