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Asian and Hispanic Immigration

A new study says Asian Americans have overtaken Hispanics as the largest group of new immigrants arriving in the United States each year.

The report released Tuesday by a U.S.-based think tank, the Pew Research Center, also found that Asian Americans are the “highest-income, best-educated and fastest growing racial group in the United States.”

The study, titled “The Rise of Asian Americans,” found that Asians living in the U.S. are more likely than the general public to be satisfied with their lives, finances and the direction of the country.

Cary Funk, a senior researcher for the report, told VOA various factors are influencing Asians to immigrate to the United States, including employment and educational opportunities.

“Generally, it’s a mix of reasons. One of the most common reasons for immigration is for family reunification but it’s usually a mix of employment and education and family reasons that Asians are coming to the U.S., as well as other immigrants are coming to the U.S.”

The study cited a rise in Asian Americans from less than one percent of the U.S. population in 1965 to 5.8 percent today. Funk called that increase “striking,” but she could not pinpoint how high it will go in the future.

The Pew Report Page