Asians pass Hispanics as Largest Group of US Immigrants

A recent study, “The Rise of Asian Americans”, by the PEW Research Center states there are more Asian immigrants arriving in America than Hispanics.

This is due to more Asians being granted Visas mostly for specialized workers and wealthy investors.

The Asian Immigrants are usually already educated before crossing over.

UTPA and STC Representatives told Fox 2 the Asians tend to seek higher education here like PhD’s or special certificates.

Sai Mullapadi, UTPA Data Center Director, told us about how this immigration trend applies to the Rio Grande Valley.

“In the last 10 years, the Asian population in the RGV has risen by 50%. The two counties most impacted are Cameron County and Hidalgo County,” said Sai, Mullapudi, UTPA Data Center Director.

We also spoke with local Asian Immigrants about their move to the states.

Hari Namboodiri, Local Healthcare Professional, said he emigrated from India with his family for job opportunities in the healthcare industry.

“I was the President of India Association, and I was looking at the last 5 years. There are 300 Indian families added to the Rio Grande Valley,” said Hari Namboodiri, Healthcare Professional.

Noli Yalp, Registered Nurse told Fox 2 News he emigrated from the Philippines for “job opportunities, a good education and for a better future for his family.”

Of all the immigrants in the US with a specialty occupation Visa, known as the “H-1B”, 75% are Asians.

PEW Research also says this Asian trend is due to people mostly from India, China and South Korea.

Experts predict by 2050, 1 in 10 residents will be Asian.

Reporting for Fox 2 News, I’m Jessica Solis.