From The Integration of Dominican, Chinese, Russian and Mexican Immigrants in NYC
After immigrants arrive to the United States, what kinds of integration challenges do they face? Analysis of U.S. Census data allowed us to identify 3 major challenges that all 4 of our immigrant groups share. First, many immigrants find it challenging to learn and master English. Second, many also struggle to keep up in school. Finally, many immigrants have a hard time finding a job that pays enough to survive in the high-cost city of New York.
We also considered the settlement patterns of our 4 immigrant groups. Some immigrants, including Mexicans, live dispersed throughout the city. Others, in contrast, live more concentrated in distinct neighborhoods, including the large number of Dominicans who have planted roots in Washington Heights (Manhattan). Large concentrations of Chinese immigrants live in Chinatown (Manhattan), Flushing (Queens), and Sunset Park (Brooklyn), and many Russian immigrants can be found in Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn). We visited these neighborhoods and spoke to community-based organizations that serve the immigrants who live there. These conversations have helped us better understand the intricacies of the integration process that newcomers go through.
