Hispanic population has grown more numerous than Asian & African-Americans.

Hispanics now outnumber African- and Asian-Americans in 26 of the 50 states, according to a Tomás Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI) analysis of the 2004 census. While California and Texas still possess more than 50 percent of the nation’s Hispanic population, southern states from North Carolina to Arkansas have seen phenomenal Hispanic population growth. (See Table 1.)

“The dispersion of the Latino community from its traditional ports of entry, such as California, New York and Florida, has been occurring for some time but has really accelerated in the past decade,” stated Harry P. Pachon, President of the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute and Professor of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.

In 1970, according to TRPI census analysis, Hispanics were the largest ethnic minority in comparison to African- and Asian-Americans in nine states. In 1990, that number grew to 11 states; in 2000 Hispanics were the largest ethnic minority in 23 states; and now, at mid–decade,

“The dispersion of the Hispanic community throughout the country means that Hispanic community issues are no longer single state or regional issues. Hispanic issues are now national issues,” continued Pachon.

According to Institute researchers, a variety of factors account for this national dispersion, including employment opportunities, lower housing values, and informal social and familial networks.

For more information at http://www.trpi.org