MIGRATION & IMMIGRATION in the 1990s & 2000s [APUSH Review Unit 9 Topic 5] Period 9: 1980-Present

The trend of internal migration to the Sun Belt states, which began after World War II, continued into the 1990s and 2000s. Factors like the defense industry, desirable climate, and the introduction of affordable central air conditioning made these states increasingly attractive. This population shift from the North and Midwest to the South and Southwest had significant political consequences, leading to increased conservative representation and shifts in congressional seats.

During the 1990s and 2000s, international immigrants, many from Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations, also streamed into Sun Belt states. Economists generally agree that their labor, particularly in roles like agricultural work often deemed undesirable by American citizens, has had a largely positive impact on the American economy, with minimal negative effects on job availability for U.S. citizens.

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, combined with subsequent legislation and increased illegal immigration, dramatically increased the proportion of immigrants to the U.S. population. This led to over 9 million immigrants entering the U.S. in the 1990s, many settling in the Sun Belt. Consequently, the white population's percentage of the U.S. total declined significantly, with predictions that white Americans may no longer be the majority demographic by 2050.