One Out of Three: Immigrant New York in the 21st Century

In this absorbing anthology, in-depth portraits of diverse ethnic populations, including the Chinese, Dominicans, Jamaicans, Koreans, Liberians, Mexicans, and Jews from the former Soviet Union reveal surprising new realities of immigrant life in twenty-first-century New York City. Contributors show how fifty years of massive inflows have transformed New York City’s economic and cultural life and how the city has changed the lives of immigrant newcomers.

Nancy Foner’s introduction describes how New York is special as a gateway to America, and a demographic overview chapter details the remarkable mélange of ethnic and racial groups now present in the city and fueling its population growth. Essays discuss both the large numbers of undocumented Mexicans living in legal limbo and the new, flourishing community organizations offering them opportunities for advancement. They recount the experiences of Liberians fleeing a war torn country and creating a vibrant neighborhood on Staten Island’s North Shore. Other developments considered include the growth of Korean-owned businesses and Russian émigrés increased representation in Brooklyn politics. Contributors relate these achievements, along with ongoing social and cultural challenges, through engaging, human portraits, and a concluding chapter discusses the prospects of second generation immigrants as they make their way in New York City.