IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION ON THE CHANGES OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF ETHNIC AND RACIAL POPULATION GROUPS IN THE USA DURING THE 2000-S

Abstract

The USA 2010 Census data were analyzed in terms of the ethnic and racial situation. General pattern of population distribution, ethnic and racial composition of population in particular states and statistical areas, its transformation within the urban space, internal migration of population and the immigration are discussed both in temporal dynamics (considering 2000 and 2010 census data) and in spatial interrelations (for states and statistical areas). The first conclusion is about the stability of the spatial pattern of population growth rates in theUSA. At the same time it was revealed that during 2000—2010 the largest states increased their population much slower than the least populated ones which demonstrated the highest population growth rates. Four principal ethnic and racial groups (American Europeans, Latinos, Afro-Americans and Asians) become more and more evenly distributed over theUSAterritory. The immigration is persistently high in that country and according to different estimations the immigrants account for to of the total population growth. Meso-Americans are predominant group of immigrants to theUSA. In the past they settled mainly in the states near the Mexican border, but recently they became dispersed over the whole territory of the country.