The INEC Caribbean and Latin American Institute

and the Importance of Latinos in the United States

The INEC Caribbean and Latin American Institute was born at a crucial time: the Hispanic-Latino community, according to data provided by the National Office of the Census, constitutes 15% of the population of the United States, and 28% of the population of New York City. This ethnic group is the fasting growing in the nation in terms of population and education, but it is also the group facing the greatest poverty and cultural stigma.

It is also necessary to emphasize the historic importance of Spanish as the second most spoken language in the U.S. The data indicate that Hispanics are an important factor of social change in the United States: they comprise 18% of primary and secondary students, and more than 12% of university students.

These figures provide an idea of the dimension that the Latino presence is gaining in the United States. It is telling that Latinos make up the largest ethnic group after the White Caucasian population, though the Latino population could equal it within five decades, if its current growth rate is maintained.

Thus, the Hispanic/Latino culture may have a considerable and positive influence in the creation of a new face for the United State. Further, it is possible to grow and describe the cultural values in this country contributed by the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, while at the same time continuing to improve our own presence and overcoming challenges. Much work and many creative initiatives are necessary to conserve this cultural heritage and encourage the emergence of new talents and expressions in different arts and ways of life in the U.S.

The INEC Caribbean and Latin American Institute was born precisely to encourage these processes.