The Biggest Misconceptions About the Census and Demographics

The Brookings Institution lists out the five biggest myths and misconceptions about the Census and the way demographics change in the U.S.

1 minute read

February 25, 2010, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


The biggest misconception is that immigration is the major force behind the country's racial diversity.

"If immigration stopped today, we would still see substantial gains in our minority populations for decades to come. Recent Census Bureau projections showed that under a "no further immigration" scenario, the minority share of our population would rise from about 35 percent today to 42 percent in 2050. The preschool (under age 5 ) population would become minority white. The greater minority presence would arise from higher natural-increase rates for minorities than for the aging white population."

Sunday, February 14, 2010 in The Brookings Institution

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