Activity 2: Immigrants in the United States
How Have Immigrant Populations Changed the Structure of the U.S. Population?
Materials Needed
- "Immigration: Shaping and Reshaping America," Population Bulletin 58.2, pp. 3-5 and 23-29; pp. 20-23 (PDF: 380KB)
- Handout 1. "U.S. Population Data by Age Group" (Excel: 21KB)
- Graphing paper or graphing software
Instructions
- Use the data in Handout 1 to construct population pyramids for the total population in the United States (2000), the total immigrant population in the United States (2003), and the Hispanic population in the United States (2000). [Refer to Population—Building a Foundation, Activity 3 for instructions on constructing population pyramids, either manually or using MS Excel.]
- On the pyramid for the total population of the United States, mark the baby-boom generation using red brackets {...}. Note: What years denote the "baby boom"? How old were the baby boomers in 2000? Which cohorts might be identified as the echo generation? Mark these cohorts with blue brackets.
- How old will the baby-boom generation be in 20 years? What will likely be their biggest concerns in terms of public policy?
- Compare the three pyramids. How are they different? How do these two minority populations differ from the general population in terms of structure? How do you explain the differences? How are these two sub-groups affecting the general population structure of the United States?
- Assume you are running for public office in the next national election. With specific reference to these three pyramids, what social and economic policies would you propose as part of your campaign platform? Be prepared to defend your platform.
Extension
Change the assumption in question #5, above. Assume you are running for public office in the next state election.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website and use American FactFinder to locate data about the immigrant population in your state. Does the composition and structure of the population in your state differ significantly from the national population? How would your campaign platform change if you were running for state office?