The 1990 census counted a total of 22.3 million Hispanics.  The Hispanic population comprises 9% of the United States population, it has grown 53% from 1990-1997 (Phillips, 233).  The majority of this population is in the age range of 17-23, they are generally healthy and entering the child bearing age (Dougherty, 38).  Gender is evenly divided.  These newcomers are accepting minimum wage jobs.  The name "Hispanic" is a name into which millions disappear.  In the 1970's, Spanish speaking people were generally referred to as Mexican Americans.  It was not until the 1980's that the term Hispanic gained popularity (Phillips, 234). 

From where are these Hispanics coming?  ( The terms Hispanic and Latino are interchangeable, but people should be asked which they prefer).  The Spaniards first came to the new world with Christopher Columbus in 1492.  More recently, the largest percentage, 61.2% came from Mexico.  The next largest group, 42.7% came from San Salvador.  The third largest group, 36.6% came from Colombia.  The fourth largest group, 20.3% came from Guatemala.  The remainder came from a myriad of other countries including Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Central America, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, South America, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Chile (U.S. Hispanic/Latino Population WEB).  They leave their homes for a wide variety of reasons.  Hispanics come from Central America to escape pain and suffering, while Hispanics come from South America for economic opportunities.  They usually have heard of a job, are young, and often have a partner.  Some are documented, some are undocumented.  It is important to note that under the JMC bill, undocumented refugees are no longer able to apply for GA medical care unless they are pregnant, disabled, under 18, or have obtained a special refugee status. 

Why did they specifically come to Utica?  According to  Judy Winfield, Director of Employment Services at Mohawk Valley Refugee Center, there is no rhyme or reason for why they end up in Utica as opposed to California.  It is more or less a random process. The immigrants and refugees are merely taken, usually by their sponsoring religious group and placed on a plane which sends them to a  destination, such as Syracuse or New York City.   There is no punctilious plan or research process behind it. [Please Note:  All info not annotated was provided by contacts]