Hudson County, New Jersey is not as densely-populated as Bergen County; however, much more of the population is born outside of the United States. With a population of 676,000 people, approximately 77.4% are American citizens. The immigration percentage is higher than Bergen County: as of 2017, 42.3% of residents were born outside of the U.S (a bit more than three times of the national average of 13.7%). The ethnicities of the population are depicted in the chart below:
Cultural Influences: The most spoken language in Hudson County is Spanish. Because almost 75% of the county’s ethnicities is not white, each city experiences the influences of immigration. Examining West New York specifically, the city welcomes all cultures with parades and events where people are able to celebrate their heritage. On Multicultural Day, visitors get provided with a variety of cuisine, live music, and entertainment unique to each nation. Without immigration, people could not have exposure to the same experiences that they have now. People share dances of their countries and famous dishes native to their homes.
Bergenline Avenue and West New York: This famous street stretches across Union City, West New York, Guttenberg, and North Bergen. Stores, shops, and restaurants line the strip and provide visitors with a range of cultures to experience. The street also celebrates different cultures through parades, where many onlookers beam with pride and celebrate their nationality. An asset to the street, however, is its close proximity to New York City. Upon arrival, immigrants are able to go to the city for work if need be. It is easier to find opportunities for employment, and they can use public transportation. Policies and events unique to the city can be found here.
____________________________________________________
Bibliography
“Hudson County, NJ.” Data USA, 2018.
“The Official Website of The Town of West New York, NJ – Home.” The Official Website of The Town of West New York, NJ – Home, The Town of West New York, NJ.