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

Focus of the Lecture

• Objective: Explain the causes and effects of domestic and international migration over time.

Internal Migration in the US

• Definition: Migration is the movement within a country; immigration is moving into a country from another.
• Post-WWII Migration:
  • Significant migration to Sun Belt states (South and Southwest) due to defense industry jobs and desire to escape cold northern winters.
  • Affordable central air conditioning increased the attractiveness of these states.
• Political Consequences:
  • Population growth in Sun Belt states led to more seats in the House of Representatives.
  • Decline in northern and midwestern populations led to fewer seats.

International Immigration to the US

• Patterns:
  • Influx of immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East in the 1990s and 2000s.
  • Major destinations included California and other Sun Belt states for agricultural work.
• Economic Impact:
  • Positive impact on the American economy.
  • Mexican immigrants took on low-wage agricultural jobs often eschewed by Americans.
  • Institute for the Study of Labor indicates minimal negative effect on American jobs.

Legislative Context

• Immigration and Nationality Act (1965):
  • Allowed larger proportions of immigrants into the US.
• Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986):
  • Along with illegal immigration, significantly affected US demographics.

Demographic Changes

• Population Growth:
  • Prior to 1965, immigration contributed about 10% to US population growth; post-1965, it accounts for about one-third.
  • 1990s saw over 9 million immigrants, primarily settling in Sun Belt states.
• Shifts in Population Demographics:
  • White Americans made up about 75% of the population in the 1990s; by 2011, this figure was just over 63%.
  • Predictions suggest that by 2050, White Americans may no longer be the majority.

Conclusion

• Summary:
  • Internal and international migration significantly influenced political and economic landscapes in the US during the 1990s and 2000s.
• Call to Action:
  • Encouragement to engage with additional resources and subscribe for more content.