New America Media (NAM) released a poll today on women immigrants in the U.S. The poll, conducted by Bendixen & Associates, was discussed at a forum and news conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.
The poll investigates female immigrant demographics, reasons for immigrating, as well as their incredible will to overcome obstacles to build a new life for their families.
Results reveal that women in particular face barriers when arriving to the United States. Many women immigrants—Latin Americans (79%), Vietnamese (73%), Korean (70%), and Chinese (63%) acknowledge speaking little or no English while confronting anti-immigrant discrimination, lack of healthcare and low-paying employment well below the status of the professional work most did in their countries of origin.
Sandy Close, NAM’s Executive Director, said, “ The poll establishes that in the latter part of the 20th century, women immigrated to America in ever growing numbers and are now on the move as much as men, but often face vastly different circumstances and challenges.”
Close adds, “Women are migrating not as lone individuals but as members, even heads, of families, determined to keep family bonds intact even as they travel great distances and adapt to new cultures.”
Contrary to traditional roles of women, the poll found that many immigrant women radically altered their roles. Almost one-third report having assumed head-of-household responsibilities. 81% of Hispanic women polled said they had become more assertive at home in public after moving to America.
When asked to name the biggest challenge they faced as women immigrants in the United States, the majority cited “helping my children achieve success” and “being able to hold my family together”.
Olga Vives, Executive Vice President for the National Organization for Women, said “This is important information to have as we engage our country in meaningful discussion around comprehensive immigration reform; we must address the issues affecting immigrant women and their children.”
Sergio Bendixen, who conducted the poll, said, “The study clearly indicates the women immigrants in the United States have not only become important contributors to the economic and social condition of their families in the United States, but that they also have become catalysts in their assimilation to American culture and in the decision-making process about U.S. citizenship.”
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