Latinos in New England

This collection of essays assembles new writings from experts who examine the Latino impact on New England, a region often perceived as a hub of civility and tolerance, but which has become a new testing ground for public policies that challenge this progressive reputation. Latinos are playing increasingly central roles in significant contemporary debates on such issues as immigration policy, bilingual education, and political representation. Essays focus on how the growing diversity of Latino groups has shaped the evolution of specific communities in the area: Caribbeans and Central Americans in Cambridge, MA; Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and others in Connecticut; and Dominicans and others in Rhode Island. This book also examines the multiple interactions between Latino sub-groups over time - in their community organizations, political projects, businesses, religious and cultural settings - and raises the question: is there such a thing as a Pan-Latino identity in New England?