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Immigrant Demographics of Guilford County
Regions of the World that Contribute to our Local Population
Overview
Many countries of origin are represented in the Guilford County area and about 60,000 people live in immigrant families or families that speak a language other than English at home. As of the beginning of 2006, there are almost 100 languages and nearly 5000 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students in the Guilford County Schools. Slightly over half are Spanish speakers. The next most common languages reported in descending order are Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindu/Urdu, Korean, French, Lao, Rade, Khmer, and Chinese.
This report specifically focuses on refugee and immigrant communities that have settled in Guilford County within the last few decades. These new North Carolinians represent mostly first and second generation residents plus a few who are now in their third generation. Newcomers with refugee status, usually war victims, are eligible for certain public services and assistance that aids them in the initial resettlement process. Other immigrants are eligible for very limited services. Undocumented immigrants are eligible for almost no services except public schools, health, and emergency services.
The focus is on new and low income immigrant and refugee communities of more than a few families. Within these parameters is a population of about 65,000 new North Carolinians in Guilford County, including immigrants and their children. This data was collected primarily through interviews with representatives from the various immigrant communities. Recent census data contributes only to the Hispanic/Latino population which also includes Puerto Ricans and others who are American citizens. (Different people prefer the Hispanic and/or Latino designation, depending on whether they want to identify their heritage with Spain or with Latin America- including indigenous and African heritages.)
Since 2003, the population of most immigrant and refugee communities has stayed the same or increased at the same rate as in the previous year. The Hispanic/Latino population has continued to grow as a result of new arrivals and children born in North Carolina. Latinos report that the US-Mexico border has become increasingly militarized and risky for those wishing to cross. The populations of Middle Eastern and African immigrants has grown slightly, but at a slower rate than in the past, because legal documentation and family reunification is much more limited due to increasingly strict immigration policies. Immigrants of the Muslim faith have found it increasingly difficult to reunite with family members or obtain legal documentation. Undocumented immigrants from all different areas have been affected by North Carolina drivers' license laws which now accept less verification documents than before, making it more difficult for immigrants to drive legally.
Impact
Guilford County has seen a dramatic shift in demographics in the past generation. The Triad growth in the last decade is a national pattern that represents a shift in our history of immigrant acculturation. Historically, immigrants primarily settled in large coastal cities of the Northeast and West Coast, and then the second generation began to move to other parts of the country. Beginning in the 1990's the nation began to see first generation immigrants settling in moderate sized cities across the country where there were job opportunities and a welcoming community. Guilford County parallels the rest of the state with the Latino influx, but it is unique in the diversity of other immigrant communities.
The fast growth in population and the need for bilingual and bicultural services poses challenges. Immigration issues related to changing and ineffective immigration laws, racial/religious profiling, drivers' license eligibility, and education for immigrant youth, all pose legal barriers to successful integration. Health disparities, language barriers, and providers' lack of knowledge of traditional practices for health and wellness, pose additional barriers to successful integration.
By fostering positive community attitudes and strategies these challenges can be met. Persons who serve as cultural brokers between new immigrant communities and mainstream society help build bridges of understanding and cultural competency. Simultaneously, new North Carolinians bring broader cultural resources and networks for further cultural competency and economic development. Latinos and other immigrant communities become part of our state's resources. As North Carolina becomes more diverse, further opportunities for cultural enrichment and economic development afford a new status to the state. This acculturation process in Guilford County and across North Carolina is a continuation of the unique and diverse cultural history of the United States. All of us except for Native American Indians can look back to our immigrant heritage, voluntary or forced, within the last few centuries.
Data Sheet Handout
Please note: handout requires the Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe web site.
Languages Summary 10/26/05, by ESL Department, Guilford County Schools
Developed by Dr. Raleigh Bailey, UNCG Center for New North Carolinians, with input from selected immigrant communities and service providers in Guilford County.