Why Latinos Come to Minnesota

Most Latinos come to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their families. For many immigrants, Minnesota offers more opportunities for work and education than their home countries. Many Latino families—especially Mexican immigrants—support family members still living in their country of origin.

Latinos fill all professional occupations, from real estate to technology to law to architecture. The most recent Latino immigrants, however—especially those who do not speak English well or at all—often work in meat-packing and food processing; roofing and construction; janitorial services; food service; and the hotel and hospitality industry. Many of these industries are reliant on the state’s growing Latino workforce.

Demographics

Although most Latinos live in the metropolitan area, Latinos are more geographically dispersed throughout the state than any other immigrant group. According to the 2000 Census, Latinos were almost evenly divided between the core cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the surrounding suburbs, and Greater Minnesota.

Minnesota’s Latino population is relatively young: more than one in three Latinos is younger than 18, compared to about one in four for Minnesotans overall. This means a large school age population as well as a significant segment of Minnesota’s future workforce. Demographic trends also indicate a continuation of rapid population growth, as more Latinos reach child-bearing age.

Economics

In addition to expanding Minnesota’s workforce, Latinos are generating new services and tax dollars for Minnesota through entrepreneurial and economic development activities.

The Latino-driven revitalization of Minneapolis’ East Lake Street, formerly a run-down, neglected business corridor, has been widely celebrated. Anchored by Mercado Central, a cooperative shopping and cultural center, more than 200 Latino businesses now line this thriving city artery.

Other, less publicized redevelopment efforts are also taking place throughout the state, serving a mix of Latino and non-Latino customers. More than 1,000 Mexican-American businesses alone operate in Minnesota, generating an estimated $200 million in sales.

In rural parts of the state, Latinos also contribute significantly to the economy: in south central Minnesota alone, researchers have estimated that Latino workers employed in agricultural industries add nearly $25 million to the local economy.

Life in Minnesota: Challenges and Considerations

Economic and Political Clout
Minnesota Latinos have become a desirable demographic for local businesses. In the Twin Cities metro area in 2000, Latino buying power exceeded $1.25 -billion. New -businesses and media are being created to serve Latino consumers, while political parties are vying for their votes.

Workers’ Rights
Whether legal or undocumented immigrants, permanent or migrant residents, Latino workers in low-wage -occupations face regular threats to and abuses of their human and civil rights. Overtime pay, worker safety, and housing conditions (when housing is provided) are just a few areas in which abuses occur. Workers often fear retaliation for efforts to ensure safe and fair employment conditions.

Documented vs. Undocumented Status
An estimated 18,000 to 45,000 undocumented Latinos live and work in Minnesota. This should not be confused with migrant workers, the majority of whom either are permanent U.S. citizens or have legal permission to work in the United States. Documentation is a contentious issue for Latinos and non-Latinos alike. And related issues such as access to health care, higher education, and family mobility impact the workers, their families, and the community.