Profile Of Second-Generation Immigrants In California

A new report examines the demographic characteristics of California's immigrants over three generations.

1 minute read

May 25, 2005, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


These demographic characteristics include: age distribution, racial and ethnic composition, poverty rate, income levels, education attainment rates, English proficiency, and civic participation (political participation/volunteerism). The report examines these demographic differences across and between ethnic groups and ages.

Selected findings:

  • More than 7 million Californians are second generation immigrants, compared to over 9 million who are first generation, and over 18 million who are third generation or greater.
  • For children, poverty rates are 28.7% for first generation immigrants, compared to 24.8% for second generation immigrants, and 13.2% for third or greater generation immigrants.
  • For second generation immigrants, 10% of Latinos, 48% of Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 71% of Whites only speak English.
  • For second generation Asian/Pacific Islanders, 52% had a college degree compared to 10% of second generation Latinos and 35% of second generation Whites.

    [Editor's note: The link below is to a 2MB PDF document.]

    Thanks to Paul Tepper, Weingart Center

  • Tuesday, May 24, 2005 in Public Policy Institute of California

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