BY MIKE
In the last century the Latino population in America has
dramatically increased. Traditionally, Latinos have immigrated or migrated to
barrios in or nearby huge cities such as Miami, New York or Los Angeles. While
population has increased in the cities, because the population has increased as
a whole, it does not compare to the population growth in the south. What are
the implications of Latino’s heading South instead of traditional cities? I
believe that the appeal of the south is high job availability in unskilled jobs
but I wonder how major cities such as New York, as
well as the south will deal with these migrations that will affect the economy.
It is clear
that in a major city such as New York there is a high demand for workers of all
skill levels. I am concerned that the economy of a city like New York will
begin to suffer because of the ongoing trend of higher immigration into the
south. The reason I believe that the economy will suffer is that it will be
increasingly difficult to find cheap labor. In New York, where the cost of
living is through the roof, a decline in unskilled Latino workers could lead to
a shortage of workers for some businesses that won’t be able to find others for
low wage or hard labor jobs. The economic chain effect could be the loss of a
lot of small businesses since labor is often the greatest expense of any
company.
Economically
I believe the south is poised to benefit because of an influx in workers.
According to Rakesh Kochar, "The New Latino Sout." The Context
and Consequences of Rapid Population Growth, most of the Latinos currently
migrating to the south are uneducated. Approximately 90 percent of them do not
have bachelor’s degrees and do not speak English well. These workers will find
themselves in service industries in the south. Another main draw is the growing
need for construction workers. This is a sign of the overall health of the
economy because people are comfortable to create new assets instead of saving
up to protect their current assets. Additionally the cost of living in the
south is significantly less so I believe the Latino population will do well in
this area as they won’t be faced with high prices and won’t live in as bad of
poverty.
Well, I understand where you're coming from and I think there are pros and cons to each alternative. Yes there may be more jobs in the north considering that there are more big cities (NYC). But that in the south the cost of living is cheaper. I agree with the concern of whether the businesses in NYC are going to suffer. I'm not sure about that, but I hope to think that there will be another way to preserve them. Either way, interesting blog and I am curious to know how the world will change if/when this occurs.
ReplyDeleteI think you pretty much nailed the implications for Latino's to stay in the South right on the head. I too feel that a lower cost of living, and more kept nieghborhood, and overall more opportunities to find work would keep me in an area as I enter a new country to live in. Also, in NYC there might be a more diversified amount of occupations but it seems that there will be more of the same type of jobs down south where there will always be a need for construction workers like you mentioned.
DeleteI agree with certain aspects of your post and challenge others. I agree with you about it being cheaper for immigrants to live in the South verses in Northern metropolitan areas. However, unskilled workers aren't in high demand in the South so while living expenses may be cheaper finding a job in these areas may be the greater challenge. Also, if the main profession being filled is construction workers, wouldn't it be more beneficial for these immigrants to move to the areas that have mega projects being built ie metropolitan areas?
ReplyDeleteI understand that many are moving to the South because the cost of living is cheaper and for jobs but I don't think that NYC will suffer. I think there's enough people to do work in the south and to still be able to work in NYC. NYC is still a place where many immigrant families are and people will want to come to be with their families and find jobs close to them where they can be helped.
ReplyDeleteI understand the point you are trying to make, however, i have to say i don't really believe that there is to be too much concern, because although Latinos are continuously migrating into these major metropolitan areas, the ones that ARE already here, are migrating into suburban neighborhoods. Sort of a on going circle to say. .
ReplyDeleteBY EDWARD
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the South does have more opportunities in the sense of jobs like construction but pay in the North is way better. For these people, they want to become economically stable and I believe that working in the Northern cities allows for this. More people are able to receive jobs with better wages even though the cost of living is cheaper in the South. You bring up a lot of valid points and I really enjoyed the way you worded your blog because it actually made me think of the scenario. Good Post!