Culture, Economic Progress and Immigration: The Hispanic/Latino Population in the U.S. and the North African/Muslim Population in European Countries

Abstract

This paper explores the rising populations of Hispanics/Latinos in the United States and of North Africans/Muslims in European countries. It examines the “push” and “pull” factors contributing to the increase in emigration of Hispanics to the U.S. and North Africans/Muslims to Europe. Examining social and economic data for both immigrant groups, the paper argues that due largely to cultural similarities, the Hispanic population in the U.S. tends to be more easily integrated into the mainstream population than the North African/Muslim population in Europe.