New immigrants avoiding big cities, study finds 

The Christian Science Monitor reports that, based on census data from 2000 and 2005, US immigrant populations are spreading out, and not settling in the ‘gateway,’ large cities such as San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Rather, immigrants are choosing to settle in smaller metropolitan areas, including Detroit, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs, and El Paso. Between 2000 and 2005, these mid-sized areas saw an increase of 27% in new immigrant population, while  the ‘gateways’ saw a 6% decline in the same period.

Several theories aim to explain this shift. Some say that immigrants are drawn to these areas because of the lower cost of living, and lesser amount of immigration officials in these areas, compared to the larger cities. The economy has come into play as well. Many of these cities, with less population, have more low income job openings, which the immigrants fill, compared to New York or other large cities, where there is an abundance of labor.

Whatever the reason, experts warn not to read too much into the numbers yet, as the information could change after processing the results of the 2010 census in the near future.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0315/New-immigrants-avoiding-big-cities-study-finds

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Recession, immigration spur more families to live together

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that due to economic factors and shifting demographics as a result of immigration, there is an increase in multi-generational households in the US. Currently, 16% of Americans live in a household with at least two adult generations in the house. That represents an increase of 4% since 1980.

This runs counter to the trend up until that point. From 1940-1980, there was a 13% decrease in the number of Americans living in multi-generational homes. Experts speculate that the current increase has two causes: the harsh economic climate and an increase in immigration.

Asian and Hispanic immigrants are more likely to live in a multi-generational home, according to the study. Also, with the economy in the state it is in and with more young people waiting until later to get married, many young professionals are finding it more attractive to move back into their childhood homes for the time being.

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/03/18/recession-immigration-spur-more-families-to-live-together/

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