New York City’s immigrant population has reached a new peak of three million people — 37% of our population — solidifying the Big Apple’s position as what is arguably the most diverse metropolis in the world, according to a new report by the mayor’s office.
Dominicans (380,200) are the most populous immigrant group, followed by Chinese (350,200) Mexicans (186,300) placed third, followed by Jamaicans (169,200) and Guyanese (139,900).
Immigrants today are far less likely to hail from Europe than Latin America or Asia, according to “The Newest New Yorkers” report, and has more than doubled since 1970, when it stood at 18%. The demographic analysis was performed with statistics obtained from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, as well as other city and federal data.
Washington Heights has the largest immigrant population, followed by Bensonhurst and Elmhurst.Bushwick had the highest rate of growth, which saw its immigrant population increase by more than one-fifth between 2000 and 2011.
“Having an accurate picture of our foreign born residents, and how they’re doing with respect to their housing, education, employment and economic status enables us to target support that helps immigrants establish themselves and participate in the diverse opportunities the city offers,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
(Sheila Anne Feeney)
