Newcomers to the Aloha State: Challenges and Prospects for Mexicans in Hawai'i

This report explores the unique features of the Mexican community in the state of Hawai'i, identifying the challenges and prospects faced by a population that has grown significantly in the past two decades. The report compares this group to Mexican-origin residents on the continental U.S. and the state population overall.

Findings include that Mexicans represent a relatively small but growing population in Hawai'i, but that the community is dispersed within and across the Hawaiian islands. In addition, this community lacks common goals and a cohesive identity, which may make it more challenging for the Mexican community to represent itself politically and culturally. Despite the fact that the majority of Mexicans in Hawai'i have lawful U.S. immigration status, many feel targeted by immigration enforcement authorities. In addition, Mexican-origin residents of Hawai'i struggle economically compared to the overall population of the state, although they are fairly prosperous in comparison to their counterparts in the continental United States.

The report makes a number of recommendations, including that the state address the integration prospects of this community by expanding language access for Spanish speakers, plan for age-appropriate services for young children and elderly residents of Mexican origin, and work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure its enforcement is direct at its priority targets.