In America, Indians are slow to cultural assimilation

A study reveals that Indians are well-integrated into US economy, but they don’t easily adapt to local culture

NEW YORK: Indian immigrants come to America with higher levels of English ability, earning power and quickly attain the same income levels as native-born Americans, but a study finds they are slow to assimilate culturally.

The study, sponsored by the Manhattan Institute, a New York think tank, used census and other data to devise an assimilation index. Immigrant groups were evaluated on their economic, cultural and civic assimilation success. The study shows how Indians are economically well-integrated into the US economy, but less likely to marry Americans or join the military.

“Immigrants born in the Philippines and the Dominican Republic show relatively high levels of cultural assimilation,” said Jacob L Vigdor, a professor at Duke University and author of the study.

“At the other end of the spectrum, immigrants born in China and India show the greatest degree of cultural distinction from the native-born. It is interesting to note that both these groups show average or above-average levels of economic assimilation, a first clue that cultural assimilation is not a prerequisite for economic assimilation.”

The study gives points to immigrant groups for civic factors, such as rates of US citizenship and service in the military; economic factors, such as earnings and rates of homeownership; and cultural factors, such as English ability and degree of intermarriage with US citizens. The higher the number on a 100-point index, the more an immigrant resembled a US citizen. 

“In general, the longer an immigrant lives in the US, the more characteristics of native citizens he or she tends to take on,” said Vigdor.

The study discovered that immigrants from Vietnam, Cuba, and the Philippines showed the highest rates of assimilation. The irony was not lost on the Duke researchers who observed; “Curiously, all of the countries mentioned have experienced US military occupation.”

Some of the most spirited charges in immigration policy debates concern the cultural aspects of immigrants’ integration into American society. While some aspects of this debate, such as the value of traditional American culture, are relatively abstract, other aspects such as the importance of English are very concrete. 

The researchers acknowledged that cultural “assimilation may not be necessary for immigrants to make net positive contributions to society.”

Although a steady stream of Indians have settled in the US since the 1960s, immigrants positively poured into the country between 2000 and 2005 — arriving at a higher rate than any other group. After decades of quietly establishing themselves, Indians are becoming more vocal in the American conversation — about politics, ethnicity, art and culture.