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US Immigration Slows, Delaying Minorities' Rise

Won't form majority until 2050s; security, economy take toll

By Clay Dillow, Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2009 9:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – Immigration laws and the recession have slowed the growth of America’s immigrant populations, delaying the date when minorities will become the majority by as much as 10 years, the AP reports. Estimates had pointed to 2042, but it now could be another decade as growth slowed from 4% in 2001 to 3.2% last year among Hispanics, while Asian growth dropped from 3.7% to 2.5%.

The shift is more than just a census statistic. Many immigrants are following jobs; 36 states had lower Hispanic growth in 2008, mostly in housing-bubble casualties like Nevada and Arizona. The resulting shift could cause a dozen states to lose seats in Congress after the 2010 census. Overall, the minority population is still on a steady climb, adding 2.3% in 2008.

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Jose Sifuentes, center, of Oklahoma City, waves a flag as he joins in with about 500 mostly Hispanic protesters who gathered at the state Capitol to criticize a new state law. (AP Photo)

Sister Maria Martinez, left, of Oklahoma City, applauds during a protest at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, Nov. 1, 2007. (AP Photo)

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I don't think it's more likely they're going back to Mexico or El Salvador or wherever they're from. They're just calling different family members in different states and asking around about work.
- Maribel Tapia, housing counselor

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US Immigration Slows, Delaying Minorities' Rise