Recent Demographic Patterns in the United States Recent Demographic Patterns in the U.S.

Demographics: My Q’s What is suburbanization and what are the major effects of it? Why did many Americans move to the Sun Belt in the late 1900s and what political effect did this movement have? What major effects did the Immigration Act of 65 have on America?

Suburbanization Starting in the 1950s, many white families moved from within the city limits to the suburbs. This movement from the cities to the suburbs is called suburbanization. The effects of suburbanization are often not realized today.

The Effects of Suburbanization Since wealthy white families moved from the cities, urban areas became increasingly impoverished and cities’ taxable income decreased significantly. As a result, parks, roads, and public services crumbled with less taxpayer money to support them. Politically, many urban areas became predominantly black, poor, and Democratic. Suburban areas simultaneously became primarily white, middle to upper class, and Republican.

Rise of the Sun Belt Defense and hi-tech industries sprouted in the South and California during the Vietnam and Cold Wars. As a result, people flocked to these regions of the United States, dramatically shifting population growth to the West and South, which is also called the Sun Belt. Midwestern cities like Toledo, Detroit, and Buffalo lost thousands of people moving to these areas because industrial companies like Ford and GM started on an economic slump. Also, with the rapid growth of population in the South and West, these states gained more political power nationally, especially in the form of new congressional districts.

Immigration Act of 1965 The Immigration Act of 1965 allowed more immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to enter the United States legally. As a result, the United States became increasingly diverse. Perhaps most importantly, Hispanics became the fastest growing minority group in the U.S., leading to an emphasis on bilingual education and adoption of Hispanic culture. Both the Republican and Democratic Party continue to fight over control of the Hispanic vote.