Hispanics in the United States are a highly heterogeneous population encompassing long established citizens; newly arrived immigrants; and people boasting a multiplicity of national ancestries. As a whole, they comprise 18.5 percent of the U.S. population. Like African Americans, they are overrepresented among those who have died from COVID-19 infections. According to data from the Center for Disease control, 21.3 percent of such deaths are among Hispanics. Of special concern are an estimated ten million unauthorized immigrants, many of whom are employed in essential occupations but lack minimal health protections or means of social incorporation. "The State of Hispanic Americans" gives voice to prominent intellectuals as they assess the challenges facing the largest minority group in the United States.

Presenters:

Noreen Goldman, Hughes-Rogers Professor of Demography and Public Affairs

Douglas S. Massey, Henry G. Bryant Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs

Dan-el Padilla Peralta, Associate Professor of Classics

Ali Valenzuela, Lecturer in American Studies, Latino Studies and Politics

Moderator:

Patricia Fernández-Kelly, Professor of Sociology, Acting Director, Program in American Studies

Discussant:

Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Acclaimed Filmmaker & Immigration Advocate. He is the author of Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen and co-producer of Heidi Schreck’s acclaimed Broadway play What the Constitution Means to Me and wrote, produced and directed Documented, an autobiographical documentary and an Emmy-nominated television special White People.