STUDY SHOWS IMMIGRANTS IN SILICON VALLEY FACE HIGHER THAN AVERAGE HOUSING COSTS

A newly released government survey shows that immigrants in Silicon Valley pay more for housing that US born area residents.  The strong job market in the region has attracted many new workers, who are forced to deal with skyrocketing housing costs, unlike long-time area residents, who arrived when housing was more affordable.

The report, released by Santa Clara County Summit on Immigrant Needs and Contributions, points to a number of reasons why immigrants pay so much more for housing.  Poor English skills may lead them to sign a lease not understanding it.  Family needs may make them desperate to find housing.  Often, they are simply being discriminated against by landlords who think they will leave without paying rent.  Also, recent arrivals no less about US housing law.  Whatever the reason, immigrants pay a disproportionate amount of their income for housing.

The report found that while there are many immigrants in the area who are highly paid, on average immigrant households earn less than those headed by a US born resident.  The average annual income for US born residents was ,800, while for immigrants it was ,600.  The report also found that many immigrants, especially Mexicans and Vietnamese, who arrived in the area decades ago, still pay more for housing than US born residents.

The high cost of housing can have a negative impact on families.  When a family has to move, children are forced to change schools.  Also, to find more affordable housing, people have to move farther from the cities and their jobs, which may save on housing costs but increases transportation costs.