The latest census projections suggest that by the year 2043, non-Hispanic white Americans will no longer make up the majority of the U.S, making America “majority-minority” nation.
Research earlier this year revealed that America was headed towards a future where minorities became the majority, but it wasn’t until the latest census that it was clear just how rapidly this change would occur.
According to the 2043 census prediction from the United States Census Bureau, it will only take two decades for white Americans to lose their spot as the majority race in the nation.
Although several factors play into the change of demographics, the Bureau specifically mentioned two major factors that have had the largest impacts.
The Hispanic population is steadily increasing, and in less than 50 years the number of Hispanics in expected to grow to 75 million people.
On the other hand, the non-Hispanic white population has been on a steady decrease and by the year 2060 the Bureau has predicted that there will be 20 million fewer non-Hispanic white Americans.
Back in 1960, whites made up about 85% of the country, but in 1965 changes in immigration laws began decreasing that percentage. By the time 2000 hit, whites only made up 69% of all Americans.
“The non-Hispanic white population is projected to peak in 2024, at 199.6 million, up from 197.8 million in 2012,” the Bureau reported. “Unlike other race or ethnic groups, however, its population is projected to slowly decrease, falling by nearly 20.6 million from 2024 to 2060.”
Another important factor to consider is the increasing birth rates among minorities, especially Hispanics. Although immigration itself has slowed since the mid-2000 housing bust, the birth rates among Hispanics is still causing a rapid increase in the U.S Hispanic population.
Many social and economic changes are bound to occur as America moves towards becoming a “majority-minority” nation.
As we saw in the recent Presidential elections, President Barack Obama obtained a second term against all odds after receiving a staggering 78 percent of all non-white voters.
Civil rights issues and racial equality are likely to slide to the bottom of many agendas since they won’t be found as necessary, thus altering the common notions of what a “minority” in American really is – because according to the Census predictions there won’t really be any minorities.
Even today the Supreme Court is in the midst of deciding if special protections for race such as affirmative action in college admissions and the Voting Rights Act, will still be necessary.
Interracial marriage, which many still view as a social taboo, is likely become more common and perceived as more acceptable in years to come. The Bureau’s predictions suggest that in 2060 the number of multiracial people will more than triple from 7.5 million to an unbelievable 26.7 million.
