Hispanic trends: A national resource on Hispanic/Latino issues

One area of Pew Research's work focuses on Hispanic trends and provides publications, interactive charts, data and resources on current issues relevant to the Hispanic/Latino population.

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact think tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. They conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. They do not take policy positions.

One area of their work and research focuses in on Hispanic trends and provides publications, interactive maps and charts, data and other resources, in addition to, access to various experts on current issues relevant to the Hispanic/Latino population.

A review of several topics currently on their website include:

Hispanic identity fades across generations

Research findings from two separate surveys, the first of over 1,500 self-identified Hispanics and the second of over 400 individuals who indicated that they had Hispanic or Latino ancestry but did not identify as Hispanic or Latino. Some of the key findings indicate that:

  • A long-standing high intermarriage rate and a decade of declining Latin American immigration – are distancing some Americans with Hispanic ancestry from the life experiences of earlier generations, reducing the likelihood they call themselves Hispanic or Latino.
  • The closer individuals are to their immigrant roots, the more likely Americans with Hispanic ancestry are to identify as Hispanic or Latino.
  • Among all Hispanic adults, for example, half say they most often describe themselves by their family’s country of origin or heritage, using terms such as Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican or Salvadoran.
Rise in U.S. immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras outpace growth from elsewhere

Contrary to some beliefs, immigration between 2007 to 2015 from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras rose by 25 percent as opposed to modest gains in the overall U. S. foreign born population and an overall decline in migration from Mexico. Some contributing factors for the rise in immigration from these countries include increased homicide and gang related activities in their home countries, economic opportunities in the U.S. and the desire to join other relatives already residing in the U.S.

Data fact sheets and charts that provide a statistical portrait on U.S. Hispanics. A sampling of fact sheets include:

  • Hispanic population by race and ethnicity
  • Racial self-identification by Hispanics and Non-Hispanics
  • Detailed Hispanic Origin (i.e., Mexican, Honduran, El Salvadorian, Cuban, etc.)
  • Language spoken at home and English Speaking ability

The data and research available from the Pew Research Center – Hispanic Trends can provide current and helpful information about one of the largest growing segments of the U.S. population. The center’s research and surveys also provide insight into contemporary and relevant issues facing Hispanic/Latinos in the U.S.

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