Heimlich's History: Migration and Immigration in 1990s-2000s

Introduction

Definition:
- Migration: Movement within a country.
- Immigration: Movement into a country from another.
Post-WWII Trends:
- Significant migration to Sun Belt states (South and Southwest US).
- Driven by defense industry jobs and avoidance of cold Northern winters.
- Affordable central air conditioning made Sun Belt more attractive.
Political Impact:
- Population growth in Sun Belt states led to increased seats in the House of Representatives.
- Northern and Midwestern states lost seats due to population decline.

Immigrant Influx:
- 1990s and 2000s saw international immigrants moving to Sun Belt states.
- Many immigrants from Latin America sought agricultural work.
- Others from Asian and Middle Eastern nations.
Economic Impact:
- Economists agree immigration has a positive economic impact.
- Mexican immigrants' labor in agriculture has a net positive effect.
- Studies show minimal negative impact on American jobs from immigrant labor.

Immigration and Nationality Act (1965):
- Allowed larger proportions of immigrants to enter the US.
Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986):
- Contributed to demographic changes.
Demographic Changes:
- Pre-1965: International immigration was about 10% of population growth.
- Post-1965: Immigrants make up about 1/3 of population growth.
- 1990s: Over 9 million immigrants entered the US, many settled in Sun Belt.

White Population Decline:
- 1990s: White Americans were 75% of the population.
- By 2011: Reduced to just over 63%.
- Projection: By 2050, white Americans may no longer be the majority.

Summary of the impacts of migration and immigration on American demographics and political landscape.
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