|
Census 2000 shows boom in Oklahoma's Hispanic population 03/12/2001 Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma's Hispanic population doubled in the 1990s, 2000 census figures released Monday showed.
The Hispanic population grew from 86,160 people in 1990, to 179,304 last year.
Statewide, population grew by 305,069 people, or 9.6 percent, to 3,450,654 residents.
Because the state's growth lagged behind that of other states, Oklahoma will lose one of its six congressional seats.
The census numbers are used primarily to redraw congressional and legislative boundaries.
The growth of Oklahoma's Hispanic population also could affect the way these boundaries are drawn. Legislators must draw lines in a way that gives minorities a reasonable chance to win a seat in the districts that represent them.
The influx of Hispanic immigrants has completely altered the complexions of some Oklahoma towns, such as Heavener and Guymon, where jobs in chicken or hog processing are a major draw.
The southeastern Oklahoma town of Heavener, which saw many of its businesses close in the 1980s, is being reborn with Mexican restaurants, a bakery and churches opening up in long-vacant buildings.
Thirty percent of the children in grades three and under in the district are Hispanic, officials said, and many of the children can't speak English.
Hispanic issues have taken on statewide debate. An initiative drive sought to place on the ballot a measure that would require use of English only in public institutions. The Oklahoma Supreme Court is considering the measure.
Many Hispanics seek out of state driver's licenses or drive without one because Oklahoma no longer offers a drivers test in Spanish. Legislation is pending to allow alternative drivers license tests. |
