Hispanics and the Future of America

Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a populationthat varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status,and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources todescribe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography,geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, andpolitical engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policymakers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diversepopulation that we call "Hispanic."The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of howHispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect theUnited States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertaintiesinclude such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improvetheir educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economicposition; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizensand achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office;whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whetherHispanics'' geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. Thepapers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues.