Korean Immigrants Successful in the US

The US Census figures have emphasized the recent growth of the Latino population, while also noting that the Asian population has been increasing almost as quickly, although there are still considerably fewer Asians than Hispanics in the US. BBC News has a story about the rather amazing success of the Korean immigrant population, fueled by classic patterns of chain migration, a strong sense of community, and hard work.

Like other immigrants before them, Koreans supported each other, often pooling money to provide no interest loans to help the newest immigrants start their businesses.

John Kim, of the Korean Produce Association in New York, whose parents immigrated and opened a sweet shop when he was a boy, recounts a common adage describing how important it was for new immigrants to know someone before arriving in a new country.

"As a new immigrant, the saying goes, 'Whoever picks you up form the airport, whatever business they are in is what you will go into'."

Like other immigrants before them, Koreans supported each other, often pooling money to provide no interest loans to help the newest immigrants start their businesses.

John Kim, of the Korean Produce Association in New York, whose parents immigrated and opened a sweet shop when he was a boy, recounts a common adage describing how important it was for new immigrants to know someone before arriving in a new country.

"As a new immigrant, the saying goes, 'Whoever picks you up form the airport, whatever business they are in is what you will go into'."

The BBC story is rich in individual detail, whereas for overall statistics you can go to the Migration Policy Institute's website.