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This paper presents some statistical data on the Hispanic population in the United States and its growth, caused by a sustained immigrant influx. The paper develops the following points: 1) the importance and relevance of the Hispanic population in the United States; 2) the role of Mexican and Central American migration as the main sources of manual labor for the American economy; 3) the importance of migrants in the regional and national development in the countries of origin; 4) the situation and perspectives of the second generation; 5) the long-term integration of the Latin American immigrant population in the United States. The supporting arguments of recent essays criticizing the presence of the Hispanic population in the United States are examined as being a threat to English dominance and a factor for cultural disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since migration and the resulting acculturation process are such complex, multifaceted phenomena, the aim of this article is to analyze the economic, social, political, and cultural factors involved. To achieve this, the author examines theoretically different empirical studies and papers related to the migratory experience. The article also describes the main reasons why Hispanic immigrants leave their countries of origin, as well as the main factors linked to the acculturation process and the acculturative stress immigrants experience during their stay in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]