LATINOS IN MERCER COUNTY

Transcription

1 LATINOS IN MERCER COUNTY A Reflection of the Changing Latino Population in the Northeast United Way of Greater Mercer County

2 Publication Year: 2004 Printing provided as a Community Service by Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

3 A Reflection of the Changing Latino Population in the Northeast by Lillian Escobar-Haskins, MHS Researcher/Writer George F. Haskins Editor Alegre Advertising Research and Demographics Lancaster, PA prepared for United Way of Greater Mercer County and the UWGMC Latino Vision Council 3131 Princeton Pike Building 4 Lawrenceville, NJ Phone: Fax:

4 LATINOS IN MERCER COUNTY A Reflection of the Changing Latino Population in the Northeast TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MERCER COUNTY DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE Latino Population Mercer County Population by Race and Hispanic Origin Census Latino Subgroups Growth of Selected Latino Populations Percent of Latino Groups Within Each County Subdivision Distribution of Specific Latino Groups in Mercer County Nativity and Citizenship Race and Ethnicity Language Fluency Educational Attainment Age and Family Status Family Household Composition Economic Status Home Ownership MERCER COUNTY LATINO COMMUNITY HISTORY SURVEY RESULTS SUMMARIES Latino and Non-Latino Professional, Key Leader, Community Member and Agency Surveys Methodology Latino and Non-Latino Key Informant Respondent Demographics Responding Agencies Demographics Survey Response Summaries The Most Serious Problems Affecting The Latino Population Services Latinos need that don't exist or are not being adequately addressed by existing services Significant Differences Among Latino Populations Local Agencies/Organizations Perceived As Doing A Good Job Serving The Needs Of Latinos Latino Community Strengths Issues That Negatively Affect Latino Community Progress Estimates Of Mercer Latino Population That Is Undocumented What Should Happen Regarding Undocumented Additional comments or suggestions AN EXPANDED PERSPECTIVE ON ISSUES Key Informant Interview Summaries Latino Populations Undocumented and Immigrants Community Issues/Leadership Non-Latino & Latino Relations Childcare Education Employment Housing Recreation Crime/Safety Services Mental Health Latin American Princeton - Princeton Latinoamericano The Undocumented of Mercer SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Researcher Bio...9-1

5 Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Latinos in Mercer County, New Jersey: A Reflection of the Changing Latino Population in the Northeast prepared for the United Way of Greater Mercer County by Lillian Escobar-Haskins, MHS The rapid growth of the Latino population in Mercer County and its impact on the service provider community led to the awareness that the growing needs of this population and the impact on local communities had to be addressed. In addition, the United Way of Greater Mercer County s (UWGMC) own research indicates a serious lack of health and human service programs meeting the needs of this population. In response, the UWGMC created the Latino Vision Council of Mercer County and one of its primary goals was to guide an initiative to conduct a needs assessment of the Latino Community in Mercer County. At the core of this assessment were two primary questions: 1. What are the issues, concerns, and service needs impacting Latino populations? 2. What must happen for the Latino population to move forward in Mercer County? This study presents a demographic profile of Latino residents in Mercer; a historical perspective showing its evolution from a primarily Puerto Rican population to a diverse Latino population; an analysis of its major issues and concerns; and a set of recommendations in response to question two. There is a wealth of information that goes beyond the focus of the recommendations in this report. It is hoped that those individuals, systems and organizations that wish to address specific areas of need for this population will find the data contained in this document useful. Mercer County has experienced a dramatic growth of the Latino population during the last two decades. Between 1980 and 2000, census data showed the Latino population had more than tripled, growing from 10,580 to 33,898. But these figures tell only part of the story. In Mercer County, census figures do not include significant numbers of undocumented Latinos working and residing in the area. Generally, both Latinos and non-latinos working with the Latino population consider the census population data as being seriously underrepresented. In 2003, local service providing agencies and community based organizations estimated the undocumented and uncounted as 40% to 60% of the Latino population. The anecdotal data challenges both the actual numbers of Latinos and the percentage representations of the Latino groups. Over the last two decades, the Latino population in Mercer County has diversified considerably from that of an overwhelmingly Puerto Rican population to becoming more than 50% non-puerto Rican with significant increases in the Mexican, Central and South American populations. Guatemalan residents represent 68% of the Central American population in Mercer County and Ecuadorians represent approximately 50% of South American residents. The largest concentration of Latinos resides in the city of Trenton where they represent almost one fourth of the city s population. The next largest concentrations are in Hightstown, East Windsor, Princeton Borough and Princeton Township respectively. These are the areas in which this study places its emphasis. Due to the large numbers of first generation Latinos migrating to the area, and those older Latinos who are not English-language fluent, the need for bilingual services is essential. While over 80% of all 1-1

6 Executive Summary Latinos speak Spanish at home, there are significant differences among the Latino groups in regards to English fluency, with Puerto Ricans having the highest level of language fluency followed by those of Mexican origin. Mercer County s Latino population is a less educated population reflecting lower socioeconomic and rural classes who have come seeking economic opportunities primarily in the agricultural, service, domestic and unskilled labor sectors. Latinos in Mercer County have significantly lower levels of educational attainment compared to that of Whites, Asians and African Americans in the county. Forty-four percent (44%) of Latinos are not high school graduates and 22% have less than a ninth grade education. African Americans, at 31%, also have a notably high percentage of persons without a high school diploma compared to 13% White and 8% Asian but only 7% have less than a ninth grade education compared to 22% for Latinos. Educational levels vary among the various Latino groups and reflect their socioeconomic origins. Unemployment rates for Latinos were comparable to other populations, but the median earnings of full time workers for the Latino population are significantly below the median earnings of White, African American, and Asian workers. In addition to this, the anecdotal data indicates that many Latino undocumented are seasonal workers who often barely make minimum wage. Latinos compensate for the low earnings by the contributions of several workers in the household. This is reflected in the household income. In assessing local community views regarding the local Latino populations in Mercer County and their needs and community issues, surveys were conducted with key informants and service provision organizations. The key informants included service providers from a variety of service provision perspectives from front line workers to administrators and policy makers; community leaders in official positions elected, appointed or professional; de facto community leaders community leaders by virtue of their role as volunteers, advocates, activists, etc. The organizations targeted were those focused on the provision of human services to individual and families, including non-profit, educational and governmental entities. In addition, in-depth key informant interviews were conducted with Latino and Non-Latino key community informants consisting of service providers, professionals, and official and de facto community leaders. The Latino subgroups represented among the Latino key informants were Dominican, Guatemalan, Mexican, Peruvian and Puerto Rican. New Jersey has been identified by U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service as one of the seven states that is home to 83% of undocumented persons. This is reflected in Mercer County, which appears to be one of the areas with the highest concentrations of undocumented in the Northeast. We estimate that more than 40% of the Latino population is undocumented. There are mixed feelings about the undocumented ranging from resentment to those who believe they are important to the economy of the area and should be provided with basic human services. There is little doubt that the undocumented play a significant role in the economy of the region. Studies have shown that the undocumented contribute to our economy to a degree that clearly balances any drain on resources. According to the Urban Institute, legal and undocumented immigrants pay $70.3 billion a year in taxes, but receive only $42.9 billion in services such as education and public assistance... In a 1990 survey of economists by the American Immigration Institute, four out of five stated that immigrants had a favorable impact on economic growth. None said that immigrants had an adverse impact on economic 1-2

7 Executive Summary growth. 1 In Mercer the undocumented make significant contributions to the economy by primarily being a source of cheap labor. They are a significant portion of the working poor in the county and a population vulnerable to abuse by employers. There is little doubt that the undocumented population in this community must be included in its planning despite a lack of hard data on the real numbers. From the perspective of service needs, it is a significant group. The argument that they are a drain on our economy and services must be addressed by promoting an understanding of the vital economic role they play in these communities and the contributions they make to the tax base. This understanding is critical in the determination of how dollars for community services are allocated. While this study provides an abundance of information on the population and its issues and service needs, the recommendations included herein have a narrower focus. The recommendations relate to the need for the development of an infrastructure within the Latino community that is willing and able to work with the mainstream in an ongoing effort to advocate and develop the services needed by this population, and the need to promote a proactive agenda to better integrate representation of Latinos within those systems social, economic, educational, political, community that affect the lives of Latinos in the county. The future socioeconomic status of the Latino population in Mercer lies in its ability to become self-empowered and to guide its own direction. 1 The Facts about Immigration Office of Migration & Refugee Services, June 03, 2003, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, (11/15/03) 1-3

8 Demographic Analysis MERCER COUNTY DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE Mercer County has experienced dramatic growth of its Latino population during the last two decades. Between 1980 and 2000, census data showed the Latino population has more than tripled, growing from 10,580 to 33,898. According to Census 2000, the population grew 72% between 1990 and 2000, but these figures tell only part of the story. There is an admitted undercount of Latinos due to various obstacles in getting an accurate count. In Mercer County, census figures do not include a significant number of undocumented Latinos working and residing in the area. Generally, both Latinos and non-latinos working with the Latino population consider the census data as seriously undercounted. In 2003, they estimate the undocumented and uncounted as 40% to 60% of the Latino population. In addition, the School District of Trenton shows a 60% increase in Latino students between 2000 and The increase in the school district student census and anecdotal data provided by businesses and service providers place the Latino population conservatively at over 50,000 in Undocumented persons are attracted in larger numbers to specific areas of the county where jobs are available and where they can connect with others of similar Latino background. While there is no doubt that the census figures do not tell the whole story, they can establish patterns which provide a general picture of the composition, families, households, and socioeconomic status of this population. Latino Population Mercer County Census 1980 Census 1990 Census % Change % Change Trenton School District Latino Student Growth Community Estimate ,580 19,665 33,898 72% 220% 60% 50,000+ According to the Census, Latinos in the year 2000 comprised 10% of Mercer County s population. The largest concentration resides in the city of Trenton where they represent almost one fourth of the city s population. The next largest concentrations are in Hightstown, East Windsor, Princeton Borough and Princeton Township. These are the areas in which this study places its emphasis. Population by Race and Hispanic Origin Census 2000 County and County Subdivisions (Sorted by Latino population concentration) Total Races White African American Asian Latino Other Mercer County 358,822 64% 20% 5% 10% 1% Trenton city 88,264 25% 50% 1% 22% 2% Hightstown borough 5,368 67% 9% 3% 20% 1% East Windsor township 25,521 65% 9% 10% 15% 1% Princeton borough 14,633 76% 6% 9% 8% 1% Princeton township 16,457 77% 6% 11% 6% 1% Hamilton township 88,716 82% 8% 3% 5% 1% Lawrence township 29,667 76% 9% 8% 5% 1% Ewing township 36,414 67% 25% 3% 5% 1% West Windsor township 22,314 69% 3% 23% 4% 1% Washington township 10,394 89% 3% 5% 3% 1% Hopewell township 16,298 87% 6% 4% 3% 1% Hopewell borough 2,052 94% 1% 1% 2% 1% Pennington borough 2,724 94% 3% 1% 2% 0% 2-1

9 Demographic Analysis Over the last two decades, the Latino population in Mercer County has diversified considerably from that of an overwhelmingly Puerto Rican population to becoming in 2003 more than 60% non- Puerto Rican with significant increases in the Mexican, Central and South American populations. Guatemalan residents represent 68% of the Central American population in Mercer County and Ecuadorians represent approximately 50% of South American residents. Mercer County Latino Subgroups--Census 2000 Dominican 3% Mexican 8% Puerto Rican 40% Cuban 2% Other Hispanic or Latino 26% Central American 18% South American 10% Salvadoran Honduran 3% 4% Costa Rican 17% Venezuelan 4% Argentinean 6% Peruvian 6% Colombian 26% Other Central American 8% Other South American 8% Guatemalan 68% Ecuadorian 50% Puerto Ricans represented 63% of the Latino population in The Puerto Rican population, which began to settle primarily in the Trenton area following WWII, is the oldest and most settled Latino population in Mercer. In the last decade, it experienced modest growth (19%) compared to other Latino populations in the area. The largest growth occurred among the Ecuadorian, Guatemalan, Growth of Selected Latino Populations Mercer County 1990 to 2000 Puerto Rican Guatemalan Mexican Ecuadorian Dominican Colombian Other Latino: 19% 60% 175% 206% 212% 2-2 Mexican and Dominican populations. In actual numbers the largest populations in order of size are Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Mexican, Ecuadorian, Costa Rican, Dominican, and Colombian. Although Costa Ricans are the fifth largest group in the current census, the number of Costa Ricans, if any, in 1990 were not identified and may have been included in the Other Hispanic category. Unfortunately the large numbers of Latino persons in the Other Hispanic category in which all those Latinos who did not specify their nationality appear, grew significantly in the 2000 Census. The reason for the large number of Latinos not identifying their subgroup is not known but one can speculate that the large number of immigrants who are not citizens may have felt safer not identifying their national origin. This impacts the accuracy of the numbers in the specific Latino subgroups. The "Other Latino/Hispanic" category grew from 1,393 in 1990 to 6,543 Latinos in 2000 with no specified 319% 370% 0% 100% 200% 300% 400%

10 Demographic Analysis nationality. In the 1990 Census, Colombians exceeded the Ecuadorian population as the largest South American group in the area, but during the 1990s the Ecuadorian population grew to twice the size of the Colombian population. Guatemalans have consistently been the largest Central American group. In 1990 they were 58% of the Central American residents and continued to grow at a faster rate to represent 68% in the year According to Census, in 2000, Puerto Ricans were still the majority Latino population in 7 of the 13 county subdivisions. They were 49% of the population in the City of Trenton, which contains more than half of the Latino population in the county. However, the uncounted population may impact by what percentage Puerto Ricans are the majority in The second largest Latino population in Trenton is Guatemalan (14%) while the remaining 37% of the population is comprised of a diverse representation of Latinos with 16% not having identified their subgroup. In Princeton Borough and Princeton Township, Mexicans are the largest Latino population followed by Guatemalans. Ecuadorians are the predominant Latino population in the East Windsor and Hightstown areas. Percent of Latino Groups Within Each County Subdivision Mercer County Trenton City Hamilton township East Windsor township Ewing township Lawrence township Hightstown borough Princeton borough West Windsor township Princeton township Hopewell township Washington township Hopewell borough Pennington borough Hispanic or Latino*: 33,898 18,391 4,471 3,559 1,586 1,344 1,046 1, % of total county Latinos 100% 54% 13% 10% 5% 4% 3% 3% 3% 2% 1% 1% 0% 0% Puerto Rican 41% 49% 54% 14% 57% 27% 13% 11% 17% 8% 38% 34% 6% 13% CA-Guatemalan 12% 14% 7% 11% 3% 9% 6% 26% 8% 12% 4% 1% 34% 0% Mexican 8% 5% 5% 8% 6% 13% 7% 34% 20% 36% 9% 10% 13% 13% SA-Ecuadorian 5% 2% 2% 24% 1% 1% 31% 0% 1% 1% 2% 3% 9% 0% CA-Costa Rican 3% 4% 2% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% Dominican Republic 3% 2% 3% 3% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 4% 0% 3% SA-Colombian 3% 1% 2% 6% 3% 7% 5% 2% 7% 6% 4% 9% 6% 31% Cuban 2% 1% 3% 3% 5% 3% 1% 3% 7% 3% 13% 12% 0% 6% Other Central American 3% 3% 2% 3% 3% 2% 5% 3% 5% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% Other South American 2% 1% 2% 4% 4% 6% 3% 2% 9% 11% 8% 3% 9% 9% Other Hispanic or Latino 19% 18% 17% 24% 13% 30% 28% 18% 25% 19% 17% 22% 21% 22% The anecdotal data challenges both the actual numbers of Latinos and the percentage representations of the Latino groups. In 2003, anecdotal data places the Puerto Rican population at closer to 30% of the Latino population in Mercer County compared to the 40% indicated in the census. It suggests that the current numbers would double to triple the census figures in Guatemalan, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Costa Rican populations and indicates significant increases in the Dominican and other Central and South American populations. It is very likely, of the large percentage of those not identifying their Latino subgroup, most are probably non-citizens and not Puerto Rican and affect the group concentrations in the areas in which they live. While a lack of hard data documenting the actual numbers of the various Latino subgroups does not allow the development of a chart with those estimates, in the development of services, and in any evaluation of needs, the 2003 estimate of the Latino population should currently be considered to be significantly higher than the 33,898 indicated in the 2000 Census. 2-3

11 Demographic Analysis The previous chart showed the percentage of Latino subgroups within a county subdivision. The following chart shows select Latino subgroups and how each subgroup is dispersed throughout the county. It is interesting to note that 51% of those not identifying their Latino origin are in Trenton. Distribution of Specific Latino Groups in Mercer County Census 2000 Mercer County East Windsor township Ewing township Hamilton township Hightstown borough Hopewell borough Hopewell township Lawrence township Pennington borough Princeton borough Princeton township Trenton city Washington township West Windsor township Hispanic or Latino: 33,898 10% 5% 13% 3% 0% 1% 4% 0% 3% 2% 54% 1% 3% Puerto Rican 13,865 4% 6% 17% 1% 0% 1% 3% 0% 1% 1% 65% 1% 1% Mexican 2,675 11% 4% 8% 3% 0% 1% 7% 0% 13% 12% 35% 1% 7% Dominican Republic % 7% 18% 2% 0% 0% 3% 0% 1% 1% 53% 1% 1% Cuban % 10% 15% 2% 0% 7% 6% 0% 4% 3% 27% 5% 9% Central American: 5,952 9% 2% 9% 2% 0% 1% 3% 0% 5% 2% 66% 0% 2% Costa Rican 998 3% 3% 11% 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0% 80% 0% 1% Guatemalan 4,052 9% 1% 8% 2% 0% 0% 3% 0% 7% 3% 65% 0% 2% Other Central American % 5% 12% 6% 0% 1% 3% 0% 3% 2% 51% 1% 5% South American: 3,264 37% 4% 8% 12% 0% 2% 6% 0% 1% 5% 19% 1% 5% Colombian % 6% 11% 6% 0% 2% 11% 1% 2% 6% 19% 3% 8% Ecuadorian 1,623 52% 1% 4% 20% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 1% 19% 0% 0% Other South American % 7% 14% 4% 1% 4% 10% 0% 3% 12% 17% 1% 10% Other Hispanic or Latino: 6,543 13% 3% 12% 4% 0% 1% 6% 0% 3% 2% 51% 1% 3% The Other Hispanic or Latino number of 6,543 Latinos not identified by subgroup is an important number since it most likely reflects much higher numbers in the identified subgroups than indicated. Since Latinos typically migrate to areas where to which others of their same nationality migrate often following friends, family and community word of mouth. It is very likely that those 6,543 consist of members of those groups typically migrating to the area during this past decade Guatemalans, Mexican, Ecuadorian, Costa Rican, Dominican and Colombian. NATIVITY AND CITIZENSHIP According to the 2000 Census, 71% of the Latinos in Mercer County are U.S. citizens. Anecdotal data would place that figure at closer to 50%. Thirty-three percent (33%) are native to New Jersey and 11% were born in another U.S. state. Another 18% were born in Puerto Rico and are therefore U.S. citizens by birth. Eight percent of the 37% foreign-born population are naturalized citizens. Twentynine percent of Latinos enumerated in 2000 were not citizens. Anecdotal data regarding the undocumented population indicates that the percentage of non-citizens is larger than indicated in the 2000 census. Citizenship Status Latino Population Place of Birth New Jersey Not a citizen 29% Native Foreign born: 37% 33% Naturalized citizen 8% 63% Abroad of American parent(s) 1% U.S. Island Areas: 0.1% Puerto Rico 18% Other U.S. state 11% 2-4

12 Demographic Analysis RACE AND ETHNICITY Latinos Identification by Race Some other race alone or in combination with one or more other races --Census 2000 Other 47% White 46% Hispanic or Latino: 86% Not Hispanic or Latino: 14% Asian 1% Black 6% Latinos are typically diverse in their racial identification. They are descended from a variety of races including the indigenous populations, Spaniards, and Africans. The mixture of these populations varied among the various Latin American countries and therefore Latinos are racially diverse. Some identify with one specific race while others view themselves as racially mixed and therefore prefer not to be categorized racially. This is evident in the fact that 47% of the population selected Other in the Census race category. Latinos represented 86% of all those in Mercer County who identified themselves racially as Other or as a combination of two or more races. LANGUAGE FLUENCY According to the 2000 Census. 75% of Latinos in Mercer County are English language fluent, which includes 18% that speak only English. The inclusion of the uncounted population, which consists of a significant number of undocumented persons with little or no English language fluency, impacts this percentage. It still, however, indicates a population that is primarily English fluent with an estimated 25% to 30% who are not fluent in English. The data reflects the development of English language fluency at a rate comparable with other groups and the generational impact on English language dominance. The graph depicting language fluency Latino English Language Fluency by Age Group by age group reflects the generational 2% differences in English language fluency. The younger generations indicate a much 9% 9% Speak English 18% not at all higher percentage of individuals who 19% Speak English speak only English, 26% for ages 5 to 17 23% not well compared to 13% for ages 18 to 64 and 61% 15% for those 65 and over. The Speak English percentage of those over 65 who speak 59% well or very well 44% only English compared to 18 to 64 years Speak only olds reflect the fact that many of those English over 65 are part of the Puerto Rican 28% population that have been here for several 13% 15% generations compared to the influx of first 5 to 17 years: 18 to 64 years: 65 years and over: generation Latinos in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are those recently migrating here especially from Central and South America seeking work. 2-5 Speak English not at all 8% Speak English not well 17% English Language Fluency Latino Population Mercer County Speak only English 16% Speak English well or very well 59%

13 Demographic Analysis Due to the large numbers of first generation Latinos migrating to the area, and those older Latinos who are not fluent, the need for bilingual services is essential. Forty-one percent (41%) of Latinos 65 and over, 28% of 18 to 64 year olds, and 11% of 5 to 17 year olds are not English fluent. While over 80% of all Latinos speak Spanish at home, there are significant differences among the Latino groups in regards to English fluency, with Puerto Ricans having the highest level of language fluency followed by those of Mexican origin. This is reflective of the longevity of residency and subsequent language acquisition, and generational language differences. Puerto Ricans have a long history in Mercer going back five decades. They have first, second and third generation families with 19% of Puerto Ricans who speak only English and 50% who are bilingual. Mexicans are the second Latino population to begin arriving in significant numbers. Nineteen percent (19%) of Mexicans in Mercer speak only English while 50% do not speak English well and 31% are bilingual. The other Latino populations in Mercer reflect newer arrivals that began arriving in significant numbers in the 1980s and 90s. This growth has continued into the new millennium. Trenton School District figures indicate a 60% growth from 2000 to These new populations are primarily Spanish speaking with low English language fluency. For the educational, service providing and business communities this indicates the need for staff and services that are linguistically and culturally able to effectively serve these populations. Language Spoken at Home and English Fluency by Selected Latino Group (Population 5 years and over) Spanish Spoken at Home Do Not Speak English Very Well English only 81% 81% 95% 67% 95% 74% 87% 74% 96% 74% 84% 50% 57% 31% 19% 19% 5% 5% 13% 4% 16% Puerto Rican Mexican Dominican Guatemalan Costa Rican Ecuadorian Colombian 2-6

14 Demographic Analysis EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Mercer County s Latino population is a less educated population reflecting lower socioeconomic and rural classes who have come seeking economic opportunities primarily in the agricultural, service, domestic and unskilled labor sectors. Latinos in Mercer County have significantly lower levels of educational attainment compared to that of Whites, Asians and African Americans the county. Forty-four percent (44%) of Latinos are not high school graduates and 22% have less than a ninth grade 6% 9% 4% Educational Attainment-Highest Grade Completed 18% 22% 17% 25% education. African Americans, at 31%, also have a notably high percentage of persons without a high school diploma compared to 13% White and 8% Asian but only 7% have less than a ninth grade education compared to 22% for Latinos. Asians have a comparatively high rate (73%) of persons with a bachelor s degree or better with 41% having a graduate or professional degree. Forty percent (40%) of Whites have a bachelor degree or better with 18% having a graduate or professional degree. Latinos and African Americans have comparable and considerably lower rates with 12% and 13% respectively having a bachelor degree or better. Both have 5% with a graduate or professional degree. 5% 8% 5% 20% 32% 24% 7% 41% 32% 4% 8% 7% 5% 3% 5% 7% 17% 25% 22% 22% White NH African American Asian Latino 3% Graduate or professional degree Bachelor's degree Associate degree Some college, no degree High school graduate/ged 9th to 12th grade, no diploma in Less than 9th grade Hispanic or Latino population 25 years and over--mercer County Mercer County East Windsor township Ewing township Hamilton township Hightstown borough Hopewell borough Hopewell township Lawrence township Pennington borough Princeton borough Princeton township Trenton city Washington township West Windsor township Total Latino 25 and Over 18,653 2, , , Less than 9th grade 22% 13% 9% 13% 31% 46% 0% 10% 0% 43% 21% 28% 4% 12% 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 23% 18% 20% 18% 24% 8% 25% 12% 0% 10% 15% 28% 15% 7% High school graduate/ged 24% 32% 31% 27% 17% 0% 15% 16% 18% 12% 8% 25% 14% 15% Some college, no degree 17% 15% 18% 26% 13% 19% 25% 21% 41% 8% 13% 15% 39% 17% Associate degree 3% 3% 6% 3% 1% 0% 5% 9% 23% 0% 7% 1% 3% 5% Bachelor's degree 7% 15% 11% 9% 5% 10% 15% 13% 0% 10% 11% 2% 14% 26% Graduate or professional degree 5% 5% 5% 4% 10% 17% 16% 19% 18% 18% 26% 1% 11% 19% There are some notable differences in Latino educational levels in the various areas of the county, which is also reflective of the socioeconomic levels of the areas in which the Latino professional population lives. There is no way to accurately factor in the educational level of the undocumented population but it will likely fall in the lower educational levels, further widening the educational gap and emphasizing the necessity for addressing the educational needs of Latinos in Mercer County. It is important to note, however, that among the Latinos who are uncounted and/or undocumented are numbers of educated individuals, some of whom held professional positions in their country of origin. 2-7

15 Demographic Analysis Educational Attainment - Mercer County 3% 6% 3% 20% 8% 6% 18% 1% 5% 11% 21% 2% 5% 1% 10% 19% 1% 2% 10% 22% 15% 3% 4% 5% 6% 9% 3% 27% Graduate or professional degree Bachelor's degree Associate degree 28% 17% 13% 21% 29% 32% Some college, no degree 26% 16% 24% 28% 24% 24% 42% 38% 23% 19% 30% 13% 13% High school graduate (includes equivalency) 9th to 12th grade, no diploma Less than 9th grade Puerto Rican Mexican Dominican Guatemalan Costa Rican Ecuadorian Colombian Educational levels vary among the various Latino groups and reflect their socioeconomic origins Central Americans and Mexicans are the more rural and less educated with the highest percentage of those with less than a ninth grade education 42% Guatemalan, 38% Costa Rican, 28% Mexican followed by Dominican 24%, Ecuadorian 19%, Puerto Rican 16% and Colombian 13%. Colombians have the highest percentage of persons with a high school education or better (74%) compared to 58% Puerto Rican, 58% Ecuadorian, 52% Dominican, 48% Mexican, 37% Guatemalan and 33% Costa Rican. The Latino groups with highest percentage of persons with a college degree or better are Colombian 17%, Dominican 16%, and Mexican 14% compared to Puerto Rican 9%, Ecuadorian 7%, Guatemalan 6% and Costa Rican 2%. AGE AND FAMILY STATUS Median Age By Race/Hispanic Origin 40 Population Under 18 and 65 and Over White NH African American Asian Latino % 26% 31% 21% 16% 9% 5% 3% White African American Asian Latino Under and Over The Latino population is a younger populace with a much lower percentage of persons over 65 years of age. Only 3% of Latinos are over 65 compared to 9% African American and 16% White. African Americans and Latinos are comparable in the percentage of persons under 18 years of age. Family vs. Non-Family Households The U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family. A nonfamily household consists of a householder living alone (a one-person household) or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom he/she is not related. 2-8

16 Demographic Analysis Mercer County TOTAL White African American Asian Latino Total Households: 125,807 87,909 22,984 5,002 8,586 Family households: 69% 67% 68% 83% 80% 2-person 26% 29% 21% 22% 14% 3-person 17% 16% 18% 21% 18% 4-person 15% 14% 14% 24% 20% 5-person 7% 5% 8% 10% 14% 6-person 2% 1% 4% 4% 7% 7-or-more person 2% 1% 3% 2% 7% Non-family households: 31% 33% 32% 17% 20% 1-person 26% 27% 27% 13% 12% 2-person 5% 5% 4% 3% 4% 3-person 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 4-person 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 5-person 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 6-person 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 7-or-more person 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% U.S. Census Bureau Census 2000 Latino households are primarily family households and only 12% are one person households compared to 26% of all households in the general population. In the percentage of family households Latinos (80%) and Asians (83%) are comparable but differ significantly from the White (67%) and African American (68%) households. Approximately onethird of White and African American households are non-family households compared to one-fifth of Latino households. Most of the non-family households are persons living alone. The percentage of African American and White households of persons living alone is more than twice that of Latinos (27% vs. 12%). Latinos have the highest number of family households with 5 or more persons in the family 28% compared to 7% White, 15% African American and 16% Asian. Anecdotal data from key informants indicates that in addition there are a number of Latino non-family households with large numbers of individuals living together which are not reflected in the census. These may include both family and non-family members that are not reported. It is very likely that a number of the non-family households that are indicated as being 1 or 2 person households, probably have a significant number of individuals not reported and not counted. There is little doubt that there are a statistically notable number of Latino households of 7-or-more persons living together that are not reflected in the Census data. Many of these are workers (many undocumented) who live together due to the Family Types by Race and Latino Origin Female householder, no husband present: Male householder, no wife present: Married-couple family: unavailability of affordable housing and the fact that many are here without their families and are sending money home and/or saving to bring up their families. 6% 13% 4% 4% 24% 49% 15% 83% 9% 90 % 42% 61% White NH African American Asian Latino FAMILY HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION The majority of Latino family households (61%) are married couple families although White and Asian families have a much higher percentage of married couple families at 83% and 90% respectively. The largest percentage of African American families have a female householder 1 (49%) 42% are marriedcouple families. Latino families have the next highest percentage of female headed households at 24% compared to 13% White and 6% Asian. Latinos have a significantly higher percentage of male householders with no wife at 13% compared to 9% African American, 4% White and 4% Asian. 1 The householder refers to the person (or one of the people) in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented (maintained) or, if there is no such person, any adult member, excluding roomers, boarders, or paid employees. If the house is owned or rented jointly by a married couple, the householder may be either the husband or the wife. (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS) - Definitions and Explanations) 2-9

17 Demographic Analysis Families with Children under 18 Years Married-couple family: Male householder, no wife present: Female householder, no husband present: 45% 43% 49% 57% 59% 76% 63% 34% 59% 71% 60% White NH African American Asian Latino 80% Latino families are more likely to have children under 18. Among married couple households 71% of Latino married couples have children under 18 compared to 45% White, 57% African American, and 63% Asian married-couple families. Among Latino female householder families, 80% were households with children. This is comparable to African Americans female householder families at 76%. Less than half of White women (49%) and 59% of Asian women householder families have children. African American and Latino male householders have a higher percentage (59% and 60%) of families with children than White (43%) and Asian (34%). Household Status for Children Under 18 1% 1% 4% 10% 3% 3% 0.4% 1% 2% 5% 5% 1% 15% 42 % 3% 5% 6% 22% 9% Nonrelatives Other relatives Grandchild Female householder, no husband present Married Couple Families and Female Householders with Children under 18 years under the Poverty Level Married Couple Families Female Householder, No Husband Present 32% 49% 38% 82% 5% 31% 91% 54% Male householder, no wife present Married-couple family 2% 10% 5% 5% 9% White African American Asian Latino White NH African American Asian Latino Persons Below Poverty Level in 1999 Total Below Poverty Children Under 18 Below Poverty Level 4% 3% White NH 19% 24% African American 7% 7% Asian 18% Latino 22% ECONOMIC STATUS The family status for children under 18 impacts the support systems available and the issue of economic security. Children in female single parent households have a higher percentage of those living below the poverty level. Twenty-two percent (22%) of Latino children and 42% of African American children live in single parent households compare to 10% White and 5% Asian. Nine percent (9%) of Latino children live in a male single parent household compare to 5% African American, 3% White and 1% Asian. Twenty-two percent (22%) of Latino children and 24% of African American children live below the poverty level. Most of the children living in poverty live in single parent households. For Latino children 38% of those in female-headed single parent households live below the poverty level compared to 9% of children in married couple families living below the poverty level. The issue of poverty among the undocumented for the most part is not reflected in the census data. It is likely that the overall poverty rate for the Latino population is higher than 18%. 2-10

18 Demographic Analysis 73% Persons in Labor Force Population 16 and Over 61% 58% 63% 79% 62% 67% Male: Female: 58% Unemployed Population 16 and Over in Labor Force Male: Female: 7% 5% 14% 10% 10% 9% 7% 11% White NH African American Asian Latino Unemployment rates for Latinos were comparable to other populations, but the median 2 earnings of full time workers for the Latino population are significantly below the median earning of White, African American, and Asian workers. In addition to this, the anecdotal data indicates that many Latino undocumented are seasonal workers and often barely make minimum wage. Latinos compensate for the low earnings by the contribution of several workers in the household. This is reflected in the household income. Despite this, their household income is significantly below that of White and Asian White NH African American Asian Latino Median Earnings in years and over Worked full-time in 1999 households. Asians have the highest earnings and household income. African American household income is the lowest and while African American fulltime workers have higher median earnings than Latinos it reflects a higher rate of unemployment, a lower rate of persons in the labor force and a higher percentage of one-income single person non-family households. 52,941 White NH Male Female 37,171 33,339 29,606 62,069 42,288 26,644 23,956 African American Asian Latino MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN 1999 (DOLLARS) White African American Asian Latino Mercer County 64,310 37,096 83,288 41,027 East Windsor township 67,872 60,388 65,469 47,610 Ewing township 57,041 58,941 61,364 36,094 Hamilton township 59,302 45,563 56,389 51,921 Hightstown borough 68,349 39,911 63,958 56,691 Hopewell borough 77,269 42, ,000 67,000 Hopewell township 92,438 82, ,801 86,713 Lawrence township 69,096 50,266 78,688 71,406 Pennington borough 91,285 93,251 54,000 62,750 Princeton borough 80,019 47,321 38,438 65,313 Princeton township 106,555 36,528 75,487 34,028 Trenton city 34,961 29,003 42,708 31,964 Washington township 71,250 65, ,699 47,000 West Windsor township 116,193 95, ,100 99,329 Median Household Income 1999 Mercer County 64,310 37,096 83,288 41,027 White NH African American Asian Latino 2 Median income is the amount which divides the income distribution into two equal groups, half having incomes above the median, half having incomes below the median. (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS) - Definitions and Explanations) 2-11

19 Demographic Analysis PER CAPITA INCOME IN 1999 (DOLLARS) White NH African American Asian Latino Mercer County 33,375 16,251 32,224 14,489 East Windsor township 31,977 27,253 26,200 16,369 Ewing township 26,418 20,114 23,787 19,552 Hamilton township 26,850 18,514 20,588 18,213 Hightstown borough 33,364 21,882 26,817 16,605 Hopewell borough 40,067 20,746 29,845 20,031 Hopewell township 46,229 13,749 57,581 30,389 Lawrence township 35,677 19,593 34,578 20,180 Pennington borough 46,770 30,826 41,584 22,081 Princeton borough 31,189 16,598 13,643 13,378 Princeton township 62,644 37,184 44,173 18,873 Trenton city 20,128 13,300 13,554 11,039 Washington township 36,281 37,286 31,532 20,627 West Windsor township 53,115 50,329 40,216 26,455 Latino per capita 3 income significantly varies depending on where in the county they live. Generally Latino per capita income is significantly lower than for the other populations. Census data for the areas where there is a concentration of undocumented persons such as Hightstown, East Windsor, Princeton and Trenton City do not reflect the impact of the low-income status of most undocumented persons. The following provides an overview of the economic status of the dominant Latino groups in Mercer County. Income and Poverty of Selected Latino Groups Mercer County 2000 Puerto Costa Mexican Dominican Guatemalan Rican Rican Ecuadorian Colombian Median household income (dollars) 37,486 34,286 22,321 48,681 43,900 51,100 38,333 Median family income (dollars) 40,000 31,250 28,929 42,324 29,313 44,598 37,059 Per capita income (dollars) 14,533 11,684 12,280 13,010 12,226 14,022 17,370 Median earnings (dollars): Male full-time, year-round workers 31,088 27,049 26,875 21,179 24,643 20,395 36,484 Female full-time, year-round workers 25,165 19,758 26,000 19,668 12,232 18,098 25,114 POVERTY STATUS IN 1999 (below poverty level) Percent below poverty level Families 17% 36% 21% 7% 37% 5% 6% Individuals 19% 37% 24% 13% 32% 11% 9% 18 years and over 16% 34% 22% 13% 30% 11% 10% Related children under 18 years 24% 43% 30% 13% 44% 13% 7% Home Ownership Population in Occupied Housing Units Total Owner Occupied Latino Owner Occupied Mercer County 298,253 73% 31,416 40% Trenton City 63,369 50% 17,633 35% Hamilton Township 82,187 81% 4,182 59% East Windsor Township 21,151 70% 3,478 26% Lawrence Township 25,768 75% 1,090 67% Hightstown Borough 4,173 71% 1,021 26% Ewing Township 29,685 79% 1,013 60% West Windsor Township 21,047 87% % Princeton Township 14,725 75% % Princeton Borough 6,534 57% % Hopewell Township 14,935 94% % Washington Township 10,016 91% % Hopewell Borough 1,994 79% 40 28% Pennington borough 2,669 88% 26 42% Economic and community stability is also reflected in homeownership. In Mercer County, Latinos (40%) and African Americans (49%) have a much lower percentage of persons living in owner occupied housing compared to Whites (81%) and Asians (72%). 81% Population in Owner Occupied Housing Units Mercer County 49% 72% 40% White NH African American Asian Latino 3 Per capita income is the average income computed for every man, woman, and child in a particular group. (Current Population Survey (CPS) - Definitions and Explanations) 2-12

20 History MERCER COUNTY LATINO COMMUNITY HISTORY Latinos have maintained a community presence in Mercer County since the late 1940s when the mass migration of Puerto Ricans to the mainland was encouraged and facilitated as part of Operation Bootstrap ( ), a United States government program. Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. United States citizenship was conferred on the population in 1917 and some thirty years later the U.S. allowed Puerto Ricans to elect their first governor in Since 1952, Puerto Rico has been a commonwealth of the United States and, although Puerto Ricans on the island have been U.S. citizens since 1917, they cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections. Those who are 18 years and older, however, may vote for a resident commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives who is allowed to speak in the House, but who may vote only in committees. Operation Bootstrap promoted economic development and promised to address the poverty and employment needs of Puerto Ricans by attracting privately owned factories and companies to Puerto Rico with incentives, tax abatements, and subsidized start-up costs. During this period Puerto Rico experienced a major economic change, shifting from an agricultural dominated economy to an economy based on industrial production. The U.S. government invested heavily in transportation infrastructure to make it even more attractive to businesses. However, while the program fell short of its initial promises, the mass migration of the populace to metropolitan centers in the United States, especially in the Northeast, was a success. Puerto Ricans began leaving their island for the possibility of better opportunities here in the United States. As U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans could travel from the island to any part of the United States without a passport or visa just as any other citizen travels between states, but upon their arrival here they encountered language and cultural obstacles. It was no different in Mercer County. David Morales, a native and life-long resident of Trenton was born in His parents who came to Trenton in 1949 were among the first group of Puerto Rican families to settle in the area. His father was a migrant worker who went to Florida from San Sebastian, PR. He was working at a farm in Florida when a bus came by recruiting migrant workers and offering them a free ride to Pennsylvania. He ended up on a farm in Levittown, Pennsylvania, as did many of the first Puerto Ricans in the region who later crossed the river into Trenton. The first to arrive in Mercer came in search of employment as agricultural workers or as factory laborers. Those already here made room for new family members lured by the prospect doing better. By 1954 the city of Trenton was home to a Puerto Rican population of approximately 3,000. The rapid growth of the Puerto Rican community in Mercer was unanticipated and local social service agencies were not prepared to effectively assist Spanish-speaking clients. There was even some resistance to adapt to the changing demographics. Some agencies were outwardly unresponsive and sometimes hostile to Latinos seeking assistance. For example, at the Trenton Housing Authority (THA) in the early 1950 s Latinos seeking assistance were sometimes ignored if they could not communicate in English. The THA had no Spanish-speaking staff on hand, and at times made no attempt to determine the needs or respond to inquiries by Spanish-speaking visitors. These clients sometimes sat in the THA office unassisted, finally leaving when they realized they were not going to be helped. One source of support to early Puerto Rican migrants to the area was from Bill Muñoz, of Trenton who in 1954 ran a rooming house for Puerto Rican families. A 34 year-old bilingual Puerto Rican graduate of New York University, he was well known in the community and he advised and counseled fellow Puerto Ricans on where to go and how to apply for the kinds of assistance they needed. But even he was frustrated by the attitude of city officials towards Puerto Ricans because, All you hear [are] the bad things about Puerto Ricans. 3-1

21 History Even the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) headed by Charles W. Williams recognized the need for a more responsive city government to the needs of Puerto Ricans in the community. Mr. Williams said that his group was going to try to better conditions for Puerto Ricans and that the city fathers are not doing anything to combat poor housing [or provide] recreation [opportunities] for them. One telling factor about the attitude of city officials to these newest residents was that other cities with fewer Latinos, such as Perth Amboy, had undertaken surveys to determine such things as needs and living conditions while Trenton, with the largest population in the state with the possible exception of Newark, did not. Outreach was virtually nonexistent although some bilingual adult education classes were offered to help Spanish-speaking individuals adjust to their jobs. Eventually, in the first early years of the 1960 s as the Latino community firmly established itself in Mercer and continued its rapid growth, the first significant efforts to provide community assistance arose from within. Clergy such as the Rev. Rafael Cortes, Rev. Julio Gomez, and the Rev. Armand Ivarone, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel took proactive approaches to assist their parishioners in need. Rev. Ivarone, with a congregation of hundreds of Latinos, became an important figure in Latino community advocacy during this period. Mt. Carmel Chapel was regarded as a key center for Latinos seeking assistance for housing, employment and domestic issues. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel, a two-story church, opened in 1957 as a mission church for the Hispanic community, became the hub of the Puerto Rican community and remained so for decades. In the 1981, however, the diocese decided to shift the population two blocks down the street to St. Mary's Cathedral, which had a declining census due to the fact that its white parishioners were moving to the suburbs. The logic was that Mt. Carmel was a rundown facility while St. Mary's was in excellent condition. The diocese was aware of the active and dedicated growing population of Latino parishioners just two blocks away from St. Mary s. The Puerto Rican community was vehemently opposed to the change especially since the parish priest, Father Ivarone, was being reassigned. He had served the community for over two-and-a-half decades and the community felt a strong attachment to him. Although Italian, he was completely fluent in Spanish and culturally attuned to the population. Yet, regardless of the opposition of the Latino parishioners to the relocation, the diocese went ahead with it anyway. The day of the transition to St. Mary's was an extremely sad day for the Puerto Rican community. There were so many parishioners in the street that the street had to be closed. Many were in tears and the somberness of the occasion resembled that of a funeral. At Our Lady of Mt. Carmel the Latino community felt a sense of ownership of the parish and at St. Mary's they perceived this was no longer the case. Today, on the site that was formerly Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, stands the Puerto Rican Day Care Center (PRDCC). In 1997, abandoned and neglected, the community decided to reclaim the property, which had become littered with discarded clothing, empty bottles and trash. Inside, the walls were crumbling and shattered glass and litter was strewn throughout. The PRDCC, which had served the community for over 22 years, decided to reclaim the property, build a modern bilingual day care and preschool facility, and move from the basement of Christ Episcopal Church, which it had outgrown. Now, at the site of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, which, in the 1960s, offered childcare for $1 a day if parents packed a lunch, stands the facility the PRDCC dreamed of building in 1997, a location once again a hub of the community. Another early source of community support was from Manuel Feliciano who ran a branch of the National Association of Puerto Rican Affairs out of a small office in his Clay Street home. Mr. Feliciano helped local Puerto Ricans secure employment and housing and sometimes, if facing some kind of difficulty, paralegal advice. Employers familiar with Puerto Rican workers knew of their general eagerness to work, their willingness to accept menial labor and, in the beginning at least, their willingness to work for low wages. Most first-generation Puerto Rican migrants were unskilled and had difficulty with the English language, which limited their employment opportunities to minimum wage jobs in factories, restaurants, hotels, 3-2