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1 in 10 counties has 'minority majority'
Ventura County still mostly white
Jacquelyn Martin / AP file photo Sara Castelan, right, holds her child, Kevin Osorio, while listening to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors discuss a proposed mandate that could deny services to illegal immigrants in the county.
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The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Whites are now in the minority in nearly one in 10 U.S. counties.
And that increased diversity, fueled by immigration and higher birth rates among blacks and Hispanics, is straining race relations and sparking a backlash against immigrants in many communities.
"There's some culture shock," said Mark Mather of the Population Reference Bureau, a Washington-based research agency. "But I think there is a momentum building, and it is going to continue."
As of 2006, non-Hispanic whites made up less than half the population in 303 of the nation's 3,141 counties, according to figures the Census Bureau released today. Non-Hispanic whites were a minority in 262 counties in 2000, up from 183 in 1990.
The Census Bureau's report has population estimates by race and ethnicity for every county in the nation.
Ventura County hasn't become one of America's 300-plus "majority-minority" counties, but it is edging in that direction, according to the report.
In the "minority-minority" counties, such as Los Angeles, less than 50 percent of the population identifies itself as white and non-Hispanic.
In Ventura County, the population was 52.9 percent white in 2006, down from 57.2 percent in 2000. Hispanics were the largest minority in 2006, at 36.5 percent of the population.
But in the younger segments of the county's population, Hispanics outnumber whites. Ventura County residents under the age of 40 are 43.1 percent white and 46.3 percent Latino.
Today's Census Bureau report provides the first such estimates since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, scattering hundreds of thousands of people.
The biggest changes were in Orleans Parish, La., home to New Orleans. The share of non-Hispanic whites in Orleans Parish grew from 27 percent in 2005 to 34 percent in 2006, while the share of blacks dropped from about 68 percent to 59 percent.
Many of the nation's biggest counties have long had large minority populations. But that diversity is now spreading to the suburbs and beyond, causing resentment in some areas.
Many Latinos say they see it in the debate over illegal immigration.
In northern Virginia, Teresita Jacinto said she feels less welcome today than when she first arrived 30 years ago, when she was one of the few Hispanics in the area.
"Not only are we feeling less welcome, we are feeling threatened," said Jacinto, a teacher in Woodbridge, Va., about 20 miles southwest of Washington.
Woodbridge is part of Prince William County, which recently passed a resolution seeking to deny public services to illegal immigrants. Similar measures have been approved or considered in dozens of communities across the nation. In all, state lawmakers have introduced more than 1,400 measures related to immigration this year, the National Conference of State Legislatures says.
Supporters say local laws are necessary because Congress has failed to crack down on the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. But many Latinos legally in the U.S. say they feel targeted, too.
"I think across the board all of us feel like we're not welcome," said Jacinto, who was born in the U.S. and volunteers for an advocacy group called Mexicans Without Borders.
Prince William County has seen its Latino population more than double since 2000, to nearly 70,000 last year. Non-Hispanic whites account for a little more than half the population, down from about two-thirds in 2000.
Greg Letiecq recently helped form a group to fight illegal immigration in northern Virginia, called Help Save Manassas. The group is named for a city surrounded by Prince William County.
"It's not about ethnicity, it's not about race. It's about lawful behavior versus unlawful behavior," Letiecq said.
Still, he complained that many newcomers eschew American culture in favor of their Latino heritage.
"It's the folks who come in and try to maintain the culture of the country they came from," Letiecq said. "They don't seem to embrace the American culture, the English language, the social norms of American culture."
Nationally, the number of minorities topped 100 million for the first time in 2006 — about a third of the population. By 2050, minorities will account for half of U.S. residents, according to Census Bureau projections.
"I don't think Latinos or any other so-called minority group are seeking to make white people a minority," Jacinto said. "It's just a reality."
— Staff writer Tony Biasotti contributed to this report.
Posted by dpennock on August 9, 2007 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wake up, America, before you totally lose your country to the illegal invaders. LULAC, MeCHA, La Raza ("The Race"), etc. want to turn the United States into northern central America. If there were a white organization called "The Race" which referred to white people, you can bet it would be vilified. These people are not loyal to the United States. Their first loyalty is to the Estados Unidos Mexicanos--The United States of Mexico, of which they want to make us one of their states. Act now before it is too late!!!!!!!
Posted by cowchip on August 9, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dpennock, I completely agree with you! I was in JC Penney the other day and it hit me that I was the only white chick around! I walked about the store for probably two minutes before I saw another white person.
I am SOOOO tired of seeing these hispanic families with four kids and another on the way. I am a highly educated person who has spent an abundance of time, energy and money so that I may be a contributing member of society. It's a good thing there are others like me out there, because we all foot the tax and healthcare bills for the many others who don't.
I know this is America and everyone should have the right be free and do what they want; however, when it comes to being a drain on society, it's time to say enough is enough, already!
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on August 9, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We are being invaded --- and the majority of our politicians and judiciary are on the side of the enemy. As I watch the rapid deterioration of neighborhoods throughout our once proud county, I realize that we are well on our way to becoming a third world country. It is out of control --- and I am struggling to find a solution.
Posted by be2kuhl2002 on August 9, 2007 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is also a major problem in the school system; my son is at Santa Paula High School. It is required that students take a foreign language for UC college acceptance. In my opinion, learning a foreign language means that you must learn a language in which you're not already fluent in. The only foreign language class offered at his school is Spanish. At back to school night when I went to his Spanish class, it was filled with students who were already bilingual. I felt my son was being discriminated against since he was the only student really having to learn a foreign language.
I also don't think it's fair that a co-worker with the same title, experience, etc gets paid more because they are bilingual. Why is it so hard for the hispanic people to adapt the way all of the other immigrants such as the Polish, Italians, Vietnamese, etc. These other cultures came here and learned the way and the language.
Posted by jwallace on August 9, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems to me that we will never have racial equality when everyone (the media especially) is so quick to place a label on someone else. How can people learn to co-exist when someone is so quick to point out your race? What's sad is that the media tends to even promote it - as if they're looking for a fight and they want the controversy to sell more papers. How many times have you seen a newspaper article about a police shooting where they say, "the victim - who is <insert race> - was shot by Officer So-and-so - a white officer." Nevermind the fact the person was armed or threatening someone or was breaking the law.
We are so quick to label. And because we are quick to label, we are quick to judge. If anything, the labels are what's causing the tension. I don't know about anyone else, but I find being labeled a "non-Hispanic white" offensive. My family immigrated here just like everyone else's. The difference is that I'm Scottish, but I'm not considered European or Scottish, because that's not my label, is it? And I'm sure there are Hispanics out there that hate to be labeled as Mexican when their families came from South America or Spain. How does that help us feel equal? How does that help us get over the tensions that this article pointed to? What was the point of this article, anyway? This article doesn't help in any way. In fact, I guarantee that this forum will turn very heated, very quickly - because that's all this article was designed to do.
As for the immigrants depleting our resources, keep in mind it's easy to point the finger at them for everything we think is wrong with society. I'll agree that there are a large number of undocumented residents that milk our system without repaying any debt or showing any gratitude, but I've met numerous "non-Hispanic" *legal* residents who have never worked a day in their lives, make more money than some hardworking people, and spend their social security checks on narcotics.
The only person I know that's allowed to complain about illegal immigration is my wife - she's a Native American. To her, we're all invaders.
Posted by joanne_buenrostro on August 9, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
very well said jwallace,
and to lil miss educated cowchip. I'm hispanic and i shop at Jcpenney's and I don't milk the system. and if someone hispanic has 4 kids they are blessed. if you were so educated you would know that immigration and racism are 2 different things. like i've said before. there are all kinds of immigrants. and I'm blessed to have some that are very close to me. you're the one missing out.
Posted by be2kuhl2002 on August 9, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you jwallace for bringing up the Native Americans! I too am 1/2 Cheyenne and 1/2 Italian. Therefore, I feel alot of unfairness from both sides of my heritage. My Italian ancestors came to America, learned the language and the American way and stood in the long line at Ellis Island to be here legally. Then, there's my native ancestors were stripped from their land, culture, forced to walk the trail of tears, forced onto reservations and had their children taken from them, forced into boarding schools to learn the "American" way and if they showed any signs of their culture, were beaten. I really don't understand why the government caters to people who really don't want to learn and really live the American dream and adapt just like every one in the past had to do. I also don't understand why I see so many foreign flags flying during the immagration rallies. If they are fighting to be in America as an American, then why don't they fly the flag of this country?
Posted by cowchip on August 9, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh, Joanne...I don't think that anyone is "blessed" to have 4 kids; they just don't use birth control. I especially don't think society is "blessed" when we have to eventually foot the bill. I'm sorry that I wasn't specific enough for you. I was not referring to the people who are here legally. Let me spell out for you that I was talking about the people who are NOT here legally. No, I am not racist, but speaking in general, I mentioned hispanics because I don't see another large group of people who procreate so continuously.
By the way, MY ancestors came here from France two generations ago. They came here legally and learned english. Just curious...are you legal because you were born here? Did your parents or ancestors come here legally?
This article is about how white people are becomming a minority. As a white person, I feel that is definately true. Eventually, we will be the ones that become discriminated against.
Posted by jamaro099 on August 9, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm curious, if all "these other cultures" came here and learned the language, why is it when I go to cities like L.A., S.F., N.Y., there are large parts of cities with names like Little Tokyo, ChinaTown, KoreaTown, Little Italy? And why is it when I walk through those neighborhoods there are signs and languages spoken that I have no clue of their meaning?
In Chicago, there are large concentrations of Polish and German immigrants who guess what, still speak their native language.
It is one thing to criticize people for not learning the language, but to single out one group when all other groups behave the same way is well....discrimination.
Posted by imbetnonit on August 9, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe it's time for white, english speaking american citizens to start making babies! I come from a large Irish Catholic family. In the past few years, we have declined our numbers because we aren't having enough children. So let's get out there and procreate!
How can they be sure of their numbers when most of the "invaders" aren't even documented.
By the way, living in Oxnard/Ventura for 45 years, we have always had a large hispanic community, but the amount of people flooding into this area in the last few years is just ridiculous. These people are out-laws, and it is starting to annoy me that "white" folks are expected to follow the laws, while illegal immigrants are free to break them.
Why don't they gather together and protest for their "rights" to the government in Mexico?
Posted by joanne_buenrostro on August 9, 2007 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cowchip
so how do you know who's legal or not legal, and who's on birth control? alot of assumptions there based on skin color. and I'm glad you brought up the fact that you have ancestors from france, this is the part I don't understand. why you, and not anybody else? nobody should be discriminated against. and it doesn't matter if I'm legal to you or not, or how many kids I have. you've already done your "census" see you at JcPenney.
Posted by RC on August 9, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow cowchip...seems to me that U like to stir things up! I know light skinned, blue eyed hispanics who look white but aren't!! Just goes to show, even if you are educated, you can still be ignornant. Please don't not assume a persons nationality or race
Posted by KathrynAsh on August 9, 2007 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most Americans can't have more babies. It's expensive enough for one or two children. Many Americans wait until they can afford a family only to have fertility problems. Latino culture emphises having lots of children, especially sons. It's frustrating to see all the Latinos at church who have far more children than they can afford. I'm Catholic, and I believe in the Church's teachings, but there has to be some sort of responcibility when Latinos familes are trying to support 6 children on a limited income.
I worry what will happen in 20 years with all the poverty the US has imported. So many immigrants have no idea how to succeed in the US, they don't speak English, their children grow up resentful, dropping out and participating in crime. I think taxes are going to go through the roof to pay for all of these people.
Posted by imbetnonit on August 9, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point, KathrynAsh, re: worry in 20 yrs. It probably will be more like 10-15. This hasn't happened overnight. We are at least 5 yrs. into the "invasion", and their children are considered adults at 15.
What have they been doing with that computer down at the Social Security Office? Playing solitaire? Cuz they sure haven't been verifying and denying fake/stolen SS#'s. I think we should demand an audit.
Go ahead and tell me how I am disgusting........I'm not "politically correct", I DON'T CARE. I'm sick of this sh**. I don't care how you slice it, or dice it, it's about breaking the law. Our politicians only run for office to get the great benefits, apparently, because they sure aren't doing anything about it. (Just like in New Orleans, they all just sat on their hands and looked away). As long as our tax dollars keep streaming into the coffers, everythings fine, but as soon as it's time to do the job they were elected to do..........it becomes apparent that we have elected a bunch of incompetent poops.
If people want to come to America, great. Just do it by the book, like the rest of us have to. Follow the rules, pay your fair share of taxes, get auto insurance, learn english, don't pee in your front yard. Then we can say......welcome.
Posted by thinkoutsidethebox on August 9, 2007 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Miss Cowchip" First of all a "highly educated individual" does not need to announce and flaunt that in the Ventura Star.May I ask if the native Americans had an embassy in France? How exactly did you "legally" come to United States? Just Curious.....If your so "educated" why don't you come up with an idea other than birth control. That's very wrong in many ways, but thats a whole new matter.
Kudos to joanne_buenrostro
Posted by BillyBob on August 9, 2007 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Cowchip,
Highly Educated? Was that Liberty University or Bob Jones University?
Posted by dpennock on August 9, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If I'm not mistaken the opening up of the U.S. to much more legal immigration in 1965 allowed up to 58,000 people per foreign country per year to enter the U.S. Any more than that and it is illegal. If you don't come in with proper paperwork, you are illegal.
It is not discrimination when legal U.S. citizens have a Congress that has passed and a President that has signed a law that says people can't enter this country. We as a country can choose to have anybody come in or nobody come in. It is totally and arbitrarily up to us, the legal U.S. citizens. It is NOT your God-given right to come to the United States. It is a PRIVILEGE to enter this country only if those already here legally grant you that privilege. It is OUR RIGHT to decide who would be beneficial and desirable to have in the country and who would not.
If you want to have 6 kids and live in a one bedroom apartment in Oxnard and then qualify for subsidized housing, you are not a blessing to this country. You are a drain on society and a contributor to poverty.
Posted by nsolorzano87 on August 9, 2007 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cowchip, I'm a Mexican immigrant and on my third year in a UCSC, my sister graduated from UCSB this past summer, my brother is about to go to his second year there and my oldest brother got his degree three years ago. Yes we are a large family and educated, you probably saw us at JCPenny. Oh I advice everyone to learn another language, it's beautiful. I learned Portuguese. Diversity is awsome, I lived in an apartment that was home to a Mexican, Russian, Croesian, and Chinese, and we coexisted. Who would have thought (sarcasm).
Posted by jamaro099 on August 10, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dpeenock, since you're such a law abiding citizen I have a question for you.
American citizens have exercised their RIGHT and decided that ANYONE born within our borders is a LEGAL U.S. Citizen.
How do you propose to deport all of the people here illegaly without infringing on the rights of their minor children, your fellow American citizens? Will you invite some of these American citizens into your home? Will you pay for suitable housing until they come of age?
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on August 10, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jamaro099. In response to your question to dpeenock I would say, as with my own multi-cultural, multi-lingual, family, that parents have a choice. No law says that the children of illegal immigrants have to stay in the U.S. if the parents are deported. They can take their kids with them. Why should Mexicans be treated any differently than those from other countries? We have lived in three different countries, mostly due to my chosen occupation. My children, upon attaining the age of majority, could have opted for citizenship in a country other than the U.S., but didn't. My wife RENOUNCED citizenship of the country of her birth when she became a U.S. citizen. Children belong with the parents. Don't make it my responsibility or cry on my shoulders because Mexican nationals have broken the laws of my country. Further, if you look at the deterioraton of neighborhoods all over our county, you will see that the best traits of Mexico are not what we are seeing here.
Posted by joanne_buenrostro on August 10, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
diversity is beautiful only if you have the eyes to see it. for those of you that have a hard time being around "hispanics" and that covers a very wide range of people. maybe california isnt the place for you....afterall we are neighbors to Mexico. and most cities, streets are "hispanic" names. Arizona might not be the place for you niether, alot of Native american names and reservations. I feel for you to live with anger must be hard and I'm sure it affects your daily lives. and you should be worried about being discrimated against, it's not a good feeling
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on August 10, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our family roots go back to China and Spain, among other countries. We are of mixed heritage. My wife had a Spanish surname. We love Mexico and our best friends are of Mexican descent. Nevertheless, as with our friends, we believe that illegal immigration, if not brought under control, will drag us down so that we will be no better than the country from which the illegal immigrants are escaping. The degradation of neighborhoods caused by illegal immigrants, coupled with the inordinate percentage of violent crime in our county committed by Hispanics is, sad to say, generating some prejudices that didn't previously exist. I know, because I was born and raised in this county. Why are not thousands, or millions, of Mexicans marching in the streets of Mexico demanding reform so that the people don't have to come to the U.S. I'd rather have Mexico as a trading partner than a source of labor.
Posted by surfmedic91 on August 10, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of you wonder why the media is so big on these types of stories. Just look at the number of posts on this one and the comments. Some just like to stir up more comments by posting stuff that is no PC.
Posted by dpennock on August 11, 2007 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The kids could either stay here with legal residents, such as extended family or in foster care or go back to the country of their parent's origin. That would be up to the parents. In any event, they could return when they turned 18 years of age.
However, the U.S. Constitution should be amended so that you must be born here to legally present parents (citizens or permanent residents) to become a citizen. This may be possible to do with legislation only, not an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It would be challenged in court and just might hold up. The major countries of Europe have done this as they saw anchor babies were going to sink them. We should follow their good example.
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