ELDERLY HISPANIC MIGRATION IN THE UNITED-STATES

The specific aim of this study was to extend the analysis of migration patterns to Hispanics (Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Other Hispanic) over the age of 60. The 1980 Census public use sample provided the data for this study, which was structured by four research expectations derived from features of the Hispanic population and from migration concepts. First, because of population growth, migration from abroad was expected to be heavy, and about half came from abroad. Second, because of the pattern of Hispanic population concentration and the different settlement patterns of the four subgroups, a relatively small migration system with distinct subsystems for the four nationality groups was expected and found. Florida is the major ethnomagnet. Third, traditional family values, as reflected in dependent living arrangements, were expected to be more prevalent among migrants from abroad, and they were. Finally, returning to one's state of birth was highest among Mexican interstate migrants, as expected.