A land of Hispanic opportunity

In the past decade, the Hispanic population in Cape Girardeau County has nearly doubled, with more than half living in Cape Girardeau. The total number is not large in size, 624 residents according to the 2000 U.S. Census, but it does have an impact as government services learn to assist residents whose English is basic, and the Cape Girardeau School district hires a full-time English as a Second Language teacher. Since demographic trends indicate the number will continue to grow in the future, awareness of Hispanic issues will only become more important.

Nearly all the families interviewed for a story by the Southeast Missourian indicated that the reason they moved to the area was the same as any other family. Cape Girardeau County is a safe place to raise kids, the cost of living is lower than large cities, the community is close-knit and friendly, and there is better economic opportunity. The Rev. Joselid Lozano, who moved with his family from Bogota, Colombia, to minister to Hispanics in Cape Girardeau, explained that jobs and living conditions are major attractions for Hispanics, even though few people in the county speak Spanish. In states like Texas and California, where Spanish is more pervasive, the flood of Hispanics has meant more competition for low-paying jobs.

As is the case with most first-generation immigrant groups, the jobs they work are usually some of the hardest for employers to fill: farm workers, waiters and waitresses, and factory jobs. Thus, without the influx of blue-collar Hispanic workers, Cape Girardeau County would not be able to grow like it is.

Not everyone will be happy about the growing diversity of the community, of course. And usually, when people get squeamish about immigrants, it's because they don't speak the language well. This is understandable to a degree, but most immigrants to the United States, especially if they don't live in highly concentrated urban pockets where their native tongue pervades, learn quickly that English is a necessary means to success and happiness in the U.S. Moreover, there is little difference in the cycle that most Dutch and German immigrants went through when they originally moved to the area. History both here and around the country has proved that even as the first generation often struggles to learn English, the next generations quickly assimilate. A full-time English as a Second Language teacher, as the school has hired, certainly assists in that progression.

All in all, we believe the growth is a healthy sign that Cape Girardeau County represents a land of opportunity for people around the world, and it testifies to the hospitality of our community to welcome hard-working families into the fold.