United States history immigration

Question

As stated in G. Cadava’s article, How should Historians remember the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act(2015), « the US Census Bureau predicts that the US population will become a ‘majority-minority’ country by 2043 ». Explain.

 

Answer 1

Hi Tala. The prediction that the U.S. will become a majority-minority country refers to the idea that there will be a larger percentage of non-white citizens than white citizens in the near future. This idea has stoked fear in white America, as many believe that whites will lose political and economic power, and even lose important cultural elements that are part of traditional white society. The Census Bureau prediction, however, fails to consider that most non-whites will be of mixed heritage, and will for the most part adapt the same cultural norms that typify the American experience. Many Americans embrace the notion of a multicultural America, but those who perceive that their hold on power is tenuous look at the changing US landscape as a threat to their position in the hierarchy of power. I am including a link that I assign to my students to help them better understand this.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2378023118796932