2015-04-08-皮尤-A_Rising_Share_of_the_U.S._Black_Population_Is_Foreign_Born_31页_569kb

Summary of the Report: A Rising Share of the U.S. Black Population Is Foreign Born

Core Content

This report by the Pew Research Center examines the demographic, economic, and geographic characteristics of the U.S. black immigrant population. It highlights the significant increase in the number of black immigrants since 1980 and compares them with U.S.-born blacks and the general U.S. population. The data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2013 American Community Survey and decennial censuses from 1980, 1990, and 2000.

Key Findings

• Growth in Black Immigration:
  The black immigrant population in the U.S. has grown dramatically, from about 574,000 in 2000 to 1.4 million in 2013, representing a 137% increase. This group now accounts for 8.7% of the U.S. black population, up from 2.7% in 1980.

• Regional Origins:

  • The majority of black immigrants (54%) are from the Caribbean, with Jamaica and Haiti being the largest source countries.
  • Africa has become a major source of recent growth, contributing 36% of the total foreign-born black population in 2013, up from 24% in 2000.
  • Nigeria and Ethiopia are the top African countries of origin for black immigrants.

• Immigration Trends:

  • 45% of black immigrants arrived in the U.S. in 2000 or later, with 24% arriving in 2006 or later.
  • 63% of black African immigrants are recent arrivals, while only 18% of Caribbean black immigrants arrived in 2006 or later.
  • The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba are notable sources of black immigration from Latin America.

• Demographic Characteristics:

  • Median age: Black immigrants have a median age of 42 years, compared to 29 years for U.S.-born blacks.
  • Marital status: About 48% of black immigrants are married, compared to 28% of U.S.-born blacks.
  • Education: 26% of black immigrants aged 25 and older have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 19% of U.S.-born blacks.
  • Income: The median household income for black immigrants is $43,800, which is $8,000 less than the $52,000 median for U.S. households.
  • Homeownership: 40% of black immigrants own their homes, compared to 64% of the general U.S. population.

• Citizenship and Legal Status:

  • 54% of black immigrants are U.S. citizens, compared to 47% of all U.S. immigrants.
  • 16% of black immigrants are unauthorized, which is lower than the 26% of the overall immigrant population.
  • Black immigrants from the Caribbean and South America have higher citizenship rates than those from Africa.

• English Proficiency:

  • 74% of black immigrants aged 5 and older are proficient in English, compared to 50% of all U.S. immigrants.
  • This is likely due to the high prevalence of English speakers in the Caribbean and other regions of origin.

Main Viewpoints

• The black immigrant population is growing rapidly, especially from Africa, driven by factors such as the diversity visa program, refugee admissions, and family reunification policies.
• Black immigrants tend to be older, more educated, more likely to be married, and more likely to be proficient in English than U.S.-born blacks.
• Despite these advantages, black immigrants have lower household incomes and lower homeownership rates compared to the general U.S. population.
• The Caribbean remains the largest source region for black immigrants, but Africa is increasingly contributing to the population growth.

Key Information

• Total black immigrants in 2013: 3.8 million.
• Projected share by 2060: 16.5% of the U.S. black population will be immigrants.
• Caribbean dominance: 45% of black immigrants are from the Caribbean, with Jamaica and Haiti being the top two countries.
• African growth: 36% of black immigrants are from Africa, with Nigeria and Ethiopia as the largest contributors.
• Immigration trends:
  • 63% of African immigrants arrived in the U.S. in 2000 or later.
  • 42% of Caribbean immigrants arrived before 1990.
  • 24% of black immigrants arrived in the 1990s.
• Legal status:
  • 16% of black immigrants are unauthorized.
  • 54% are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the overall immigrant population.
• English proficiency:
  • 74% of black immigrants aged 5 and older are proficient in English, compared to 99% of U.S.-born blacks.
• Median household income:
  • $43,800 for black immigrants.
  • $52,000 for the general U.S. population.
• Homeownership:
  • 40% for black immigrants.
  • 64% for the general U.S. population.
• Marital status:
  • 48% of black immigrants are married.
  • 28% of U.S.-born blacks are married.

Conclusion

The U.S. black immigrant population is growing and becoming more diverse, with significant contributions from Africa. While they share some similarities with the general immigrant population, black immigrants are distinct in terms of age, education, and English proficiency. They are more likely to be older, more educated, and more proficient in English than U.S.-born blacks, but they still face challenges such as lower income and homeownership rates. The report underscores the importance of understanding the unique characteristics and trends of this growing demographic group.