Ethnic Migration

Migration of members of ethnic groups has a tremendous impact on the host society, especially when the stream of migrants represents a a sizable portion of the population.  As the majority population has emigrated from formerly manufacturing cities, international migrants have taken their place.  Central Maine has become a destination for African refugees, first Somalies, then people fleeing from other war-torn areas.  The impact has been fascinating to watch.  Lewiston, Maine was already a bi-cultural city with Yankees and Franco Americans.  Integration of the refugees has been a slow process, but after 10 years Lewiston has become a plural society. 

For her dissertation Jennifer Hinojosa is researching the migration of Puerto Ricans to and within the State of New York.