by Kerry Hosking

Created on: March 13, 2009

Over the course of many years, several minority groups, including Columbians have faced the problem of being classified as Hispanic, even though they originate from many different countries. Migrants have faced many challenges during and after their move to the United States, especially those who arrive with little education. Oftentimes, the Spanish language is the only common denominator between the various groups classifed as Hispanic.

The most notable waves of Columbian immigrants were in the years following World War II, and then again in the1980s. The latter group fled unrest in their home country, and as a result, many arrived with little education which severely limited their employment options. Earlier immigrants however, were more prepared and better educated, and therefore were able to assimilate into mainstream culture with ease.(Schaeffer, 2006) Although many Columbians leave to settle in other countries, the 2000 census showed that there were "460,000 Colombian foreign born in the US" (Brub, 2005, 7).

While many Columbian immigrants overcome poverty, there are those are employed in low paying jobs, while others operate or work in service industries which cater to people of their origin. Racism and poverty are a constant source of distress for Columbians, many of whom find themselves in a double jeopardy situation because of their African ancestry. Although many Columbians may share a common language with countless other Central and South American groups, they continue to live with the same level of discrimination and societal oppression which is directed at most of the Black and Hispanic population.

Similar to Columbians, Puerto Ricans also find themselves the target of prejudice. Puerto Ricans were given United States citizenship in 1914, but due to the physical resemblance they are often mistaken for Mexicans. In addition to this, some Puerto Ricans also have dark skin as a result of the African presence when slavery was in force on the island. The similarities of appearance and ability to speak Spanish contribute to the stereotypical views by most non-whites that Puerto Ricans are also part of the Hispanic or Latino group. Puerto Ricans do not classify their people as merely black or white, but rather on a scale of skin color from light to dark. This gradient system means that unlike the United States, Puerto Ricans as well as other groups from Central and South America are less likely to attribute their differences with others based on the presence

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