Settlement Patterns of Guyanese Immigrants in New York: A Perspective
By Lear Matthews
Reaction to the recent announcement by the president of the United States on the status of millions of immigrants is quite revealing. What has been a topic of some national importance has become a highly charged, simmering social issue churned by politics, economics and sentiments relating to ethnocentric ideals. The outcome of the Executive Action will affect some Caribbean immigrants among others, but a few who are eligible, may be understandably hesitant to take advantage of correcting their undocumented status.
This article does not address the ramifications of the president’s administrative relief. However, because the topic of immigration is on the front burner, this is an opportune time to share an important dimension of Guyanese immigrants’ experience, i.e. their settlement patterns in New York, particularly since they comprise the 5th largest immigrant group in New York City (Jamaicans being the 4th largest). Continue reading