The Globalist’s Top Facts on Asians and Hispanics in America

In an election year, it is not unusual to see the major U.S. political parties bend over backwards to court the voting power of the country’s minorities. In the past, most efforts have focused on African-Americans, the largest minority group. But, for reasons made clear in our new Globalist Factsheet, Asian and Hispanic groups are now demanding to be heard.

How do different ethnic groups shape U.S. society?

In 1990, the ethnic and racial makeup of the U.S. population was 76% white, 12% African-American, 9% Hispanic and 3% Asian. By 2050, it will be 53% White, 14% African-American, 23% Hispanic, and 10% Asian.

(U.S. Bureau of the Census)

Which group is growing fastest?

From 1980 to 1990, the Hispanic population grew by 69% and the Asian population by 126%. In contrast, the white population in U.S. suburbs increased by 9%.

(New York Time)

How do Asians contribute to the U.S. population growth?

In 1997, Asians represent 3.5% of the U.S. population, and account for about 14% of the population increase since 1996.

(Washington Post)

Are most of the Asian and Hispanics in the Untied States born in the country?

In 1996, 65% of Asian-Americans in the United States were foreign born — compared with 38% of Hispanics.

(Financial Times)

Can relatively small minority groups have a real influence on U.S. presidential elections?

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan received 40% of the Hispanic vote in his successful reelection campaign. That is about the same percentage won by George Bush in his 1992 unsuccessful bid for a second presidential term. In 1996, President Bill Clinton received 72% of the Latino vote — winning the key electoral states of California and Texas.

(Washington Post)

Where is the Hispanic voting power concentrated?

As much as 80% of Hispanics in the United States live in nine states that have 202 of the 270 electoral votes needed to become president.

(Washington Post)

How integrated are Hispanics in U.S. society?

Around a third of all Hispanics in the United States do not have U.S. citizenship. Of those who are citizens, 40% are too young to vote.

(Economist)

How did Hispanic voting power increase in California?

Back in the 1980s, Hispanics made up 7% of California’s electorate and voted 3-to-2 for Democratic candidates — giving Democrats a two percentage point advantage in elections. By 1998, Hispanics represented almost 15% of California voters and voted 4-to-1 for Democratic candidates — translating into nearly a ten percentage point swing.

(Washington Post)

How are recent immigrants to the United States fared economically?

In 1998, the median U.S. household income for non-Hispanic whites was $42,400. For Hispanic households, the median income was 34% less, or $28,300.

(U.S. Bureau of the Census)

Is it easy for minrity groups to make enough money to own a home?

As of 2000, homeownership in the United States reached an all-time high of 67%. Among minority groups, 46% of Hispanic households own their homes — and 54% of other non-Hispanic, non-African American minorities are homeowners.

(U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Where do Asians particularly well?

As of mid-1999, only three of 52 board members of Silicon Valley’s five largest technology companies — Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Sun Microsystems, Cisco Systems and Oracle — were Asian. None of the 52 members were black or Hispanic.

(Business Week)

Of all the U.S. states, California seems to be a hotbed for immigration policy. Why?

California’s population is expanding by about 700,000 people a year, mostly due to immigration. Of California’s 30 million people, 7 million are immigrants, mostly Hispanic.

(National Journal)

Which state is popular with Asian-Americans?

In 1996, 40% of all Asian-Americans live in California, where they constitute almost 10% of the population.

(Financial Times)

Did minority groups improve their educational chances?

As late as 1984, 60% of the undergraduates at the University of California at Berkeley were white. By 1995, the composition of the student body was 39% Asian, 32% white and 14% Hispanic.

(New York Times)