This monthly digest is written primarily for the staff of UC Cooperative Extension. It is produced by the staff of ANR's News and Information Outreach in Spanish (NOS) based on news reported by mainstream news media and reputable research institutions. Inclusion in the digest does not imply endorsement, nor does SBMS assume responsibility for the veracity of the information. We invite our readers to refer to the source to read more of each particular brief; we'll try to always include a link.

A recent study conducted by political scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota has concluded that data does not seem to support the claim that Hispanic immigration poses a threat to American identity. The study found several key pieces of evidence that signal the belief is not entirely true. The study focused on patterns of linguistic assimilation and found that Hispanics acquire English and lose Spanish rapidly beginning in the 2^nd generation and that by the 3^rd generation they begin to exhibit levels of patriotism equal to native-born whites. Language is not the only factor analyzed in the study. In reference to the supposed loss of American identity, research found that Hispanics appear to be as religious and committed to a strong work ethic as native-born whites.

Source: The American Political Science Association,  http://www.apsanet.org/imgtest/PerspectivesMar07Citrin_etal.pdf   April 2, 2007