This article responds to the Alba, Kasinitz and Waters' commentary on the authors' article. The authors state that not all kids are doing "all right," and the substantial number at risk of social and economic stagnation or downward mobility looms as a significant social problem. They contend it is true that right-wing commentators may pick on…

We summarize prior theories on the adaptation process of the contemporary immigrant second generation as a prelude to presenting additive and interactive models showing the impact of family variables, school contexts and academic outcomes on the process. For this purpose, we regress indicators of educational and occupational achievement in early…

Alejandro Portes and Alejandro Rivas examine how young immigrants are adapting to life in the United States. They begin by noting the existence of two distinct pan-ethnic populations: Asian Americans, who tend to be the offspring of high-human-capital migrants, and Hispanics, many of whose parents are manual workers. Vast differences in each, both…

Discusses the 1963 book, "Beyond the Melting Pot," which argued that the melting pot never happened and neither assimilation nor cultural pluralism occurred (at least in New York City). Concludes that this is a landmark book because it challenges the canonical assimilation story, provides a new set of standards for expert knowledge in…

Recently arrived Cuban and Mexican immigrants were interviewed concerning their perceptions of discrimination against them in U.S. society. Results were consistent with a conflict theory of social relations. (GC)

Traces the evolution of perceptions of social distance and discrimination by host society among members of a recently arrived foreign minority and reviews hypotheses about determinants of these perceptions. Findings demonstrate the significance of interethnic contact and competition in the development of ethnic awareness. (Author/KH)

Explores the issue of English-only versus bilingual education by focusing on whether complete language assimilation is desirable for immigrant children and their families. Discusses the benefits of bilingualism, such as students exhibiting greater self-esteem, the benefits for immigrant families, and advantages for the labor market. Highlights the…

Examines patterns of language adaptation by second-generation students in south Florida and southern California. Finds that among most immigrant nationalities, knowledge of and preference for English is nearly universal, that only a minority remain fluent in their parents' languages, and that there are wide variations among immigrants. (DSK)

This book describes the life of immigrant families in the United States, particularly second generation immigrants. Chapter 1, "Twelve Stories," presents the stories of immigrant families. Chapter 2, "The New Americans: An Overview," describes U.S. immigrants. Chapter 3, "Not Everyone Is Chosen: Segmented Assimilation and its Determinants,"…

This book aims to synthesize the major aspects of recent immigration to the United States, focusing on the diversity of origins of today's immigrants and their contexts of exit and on the diversity of their adaptation experiences and contexts of incorporation. The book consists of seven chapters. Chapter 1, "Who They Are and Why They…

The expectation that acculturation is the path to social mobility for immigrants is contradicted by a number of empirical studies. A closer look, however, shows that the process has not changed entirely but has become segmented. The sector to which an immigrant group assimilates has become the central issue. (SLD)