Under The Sun
A new wave of immigrants is transforming communities nowhere near the border
Back at the Carrboro apartment, the men sing along with the border songs of a favorite band, Los Tigres del Norte, as a caramel evening sun streams through an open window. The beers have loosened the men's inhibitions, and they talk about their pride in their jobs. "We do the best work in construction, carpentry, and landscaping," says one. "For the Mexican, everything is about working." The men talk about Washington's efforts to close up the border--an attempt they call fruitless. They linger, but not too late. Most will be up early the next day, some to go to regular jobs at restaurants or hotels or their own fledgling landscaping businesses, others to stand outside the Kangaroo convenience store across the street, waiting for someone who will pay a day's wages for a strong back and a sure set of hands. "But now we think about Mexico and forget for a few hours that we are here," says Roberto. "And then we wait to go back to work."
Where The Illegals Are
States that have not been traditional gateways are now experiencing some of the most dramatic changes; many are ill-prepared to deal with the influx.
Estimated growth rates of illegal immigrants 2000--2003/04*
Alabama less than 24 pct.
Alaska less than 24 pct.
Arizona 62 pct. and above
Arkansas less than 24 pct.
California less than 24 pct.
Colorado 37-54 pct.
Connecticut less than 24 pct.
Delaware 37-54 pct.
Florida 37-54 pct.
Georgia less than 24 pct.
Hawaii 37-54 pct.
Idaho 24-32 pct.
Illinois less than 24 pct.
Indiana less than 24 pct.
Iowa 62 pct. and above
Kansas less than 24 pct.
Kentucky 24-32 pct.
Louisiana less than 24 pct.
Maine less than 24 pct.
Maryland 62 pct. and above
Massachusetts 37-54 pct.
Michigan less than 24 pct.
Minnesota less than 24 pct.
Mississippi 62 pct. and above
Missouri 24-32 pct.
Montana less than 24 pct.
Nebraska less than 24 pct.
Nevada 24-32 pct.
New Hampshire less than 24 pct.
New Jersey less than 24 pct.
New Mexico less than 24 pct.
New York less than 24 pct.
North Carolina 37-54 pct.
North Dakota less than 24 pct.
Ohio 62 pct. and above
Oklahoma less than 24 pct.
Oregon 37-54 pct.
Pennsylvania 37-54 pct.
Rhode Island 37-54 pct.
South Carolina less than 24 pct.
South Dakota less than 24 pct.
Tennessee 62 pct. and above
Texas less than 24 pct.
Utah 24-32 pct.
Vermont less than 24 pct.
Virginia 37-54 pct.
Washington 24-32 pct.
West Virginia less than 24 pct.
Wisconsin 62 pct. and above
Wyoming less than 24 pct.
*averaging of two years' data improved sample accuracy
Source: Pew Hispanic Center
Danny Dougherty-- USN&WR
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