A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
BACKGROUND
BIRTHS TO FOREIGN BORN PARENTS
Children of today are more culturally, ethnically and racially diverse than the
generation before them. Children who are contributing to the changing face
of the next generation include those who are themselves immigrants and
those from immigrant families.
Children born in the U.S. to immigrant parents are one of the most diverse
and fastest growing groups of children in the nation. This pattern holds true
for children born to Thurston County women.
Children who are immigrants or who are from an immigrant family may
experience circumstances that pose unique challenges. These children may
be more likely than U.S. born children or those of U.S. born parents to live in
poverty, have parents with a lower level of educational attainment, parents
who are employed in low-wage work with no benefits, experience isolation
because of their ability to speak English, experience social segregation and
discriminatory attitudes that influence a range of issues including health and
academic achievement.

In 2005, about 1 in 5 babies born to Thurston County women had at least
one foreign born parent (22.2%).

In 1980, about 1 in 10 babies born to Thurston County women had at
least one foreign born parent (10.8%).
Percentage of Births to U.S. Born and Foreign Born Parents:
Thurston County 2005
Though immigrant families living in the U.S.
are generally more likely to have intact
families, an extended family of caregivers and
support provided through a cohesive
community relationship with fellow
immigrants, these strengths alone may not be
enough to help children overcome barriers to
opportunity they may face in American
society.
“… there is no turning back the clock
on the children of immigrants already living here,
most of whom are U.S. citizens.
Who these children grow up to be will have a significant
impact on our nation’s social and economic future”
From: The Future of Children, Children of Immigrant Families
Princeton University and The Brookings Institution
One Parent
Foreign Born,
14.5%
Both Parents
U.S. Born, 77.8%
Both Parents
Foreign Born,
7.7%
U.S. = parent(s) born in the 50 U.S. States or Washington DC.
Foreign = parent(s) born in foreign countries and current or former U.S. Territories/outlying areas.
Parents whose country of birth was unknown are excluded from calculations.

Between 1980-2005, the number of Thurston County babies born to at
least one foreign born parent increased by 135.3%.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
1
A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN
OF
IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
BIRTHS AND PARENT EDUCATION
Research shows that that low-income children and children who have parents
with lower levels of education and limited English skills often perform poorly in
school and, later, in the labor force. Birth certificates, which are the data
source used to learn more about county babies, do not collect information
about household income or parents’ primary language. However, information
about parents’ education level is available and provides insight into the gap
between foreign born and U.S. born parents.
Dads with Very Low Education Level

In 2005, about 1 in 4 Thurston County babies were born to a ‘foreign’ born
dad with less than a high school education (24.2%).

In comparison, nearly 1 in 10 county babies were born to a U.S. born dad
with less than a high school education (7.8%).
A range of potential barriers exist for children whose parents have completed
fewer years of formal education. As children enter the school system, parents
with lower levels of education may not be able to support their child’s
educational experience to the extent they would like because of limited
knowledge of the subjects being taught in the classroom and covered in
homework.
Parents who have completed fewer years of schooling tend to earn less in the
labor force and have fewer benefits. This may mean that children of
immigrants have less access to resources that must be purchased (health,
educational or other). Immigrant families with lower levels of education may
not be able to access resources available to other families because of
restrictions related to their immigration status. This includes lawfully admitted
immigrants who are usually ineligible for certain public benefits designed to
assist low income families during their first several years in the U.S.
Births to Foreign Born and U.S. Born Parents who
have Less than a High School Education: Thurston County 2005
50.0%
40.0%
Moms with Very Low Education Level
30.0%


In 2005, about 1 in 5 Thurston County babies were born to a ‘foreign’ born
mom with less than a high school education (20.9%).
In comparison, about 1 in 10 county babies were born to a U.S. born mom
with less than a high school education (10.3%).
24.2%
20.9%
20.0%
10.3%
7.8%
10.0%
0.0%
Dad
Mom
Foreign Born
U.S. Born
U.S. = parent(s) born in the 50 U.S. States or Washington DC.
Foreign = parent(s) born in foreign countries and current or former U.S. Territories/outlying areas.
Parents whose educational attainment was unknown are excluded from calculations.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
2
A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN
OF
IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
BIRTHS AND PARENT MARITAL STATUS
POVERTY AND CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS
Nationally, children who live in immigrant families are more likely than those
living in U.S. born families to have married parents. However, this pattern
does not hold completely true for Thurston County.
Up to this point, gaining a view into the lives of immigrant children has
involved examining the family circumstances of Thurston County babies at
birth. U.S. Census Bureau data provides a way to document the economic
circumstances that all children age 0-17 experience.

In 2005, about 1 in 4 Thurston County babies were born to a ‘foreign’ born
mom who was unmarried (26.8%).
Children Living in Poverty
Births to Foreign Born and U.S. Born Moms who were
Unmarried: Thurston County 1980-2005
50.0%
Nationally, children of immigrant parents are much more likely to live in
poverty. The experience of Thurston County children is consistent with this
national pattern.
40.0%
30.0%
26.8%
30.0%
20.0%
13.5%
10.0%
5.6%
In 2000:
 About 1 in 4 children age 0-17 who were either themselves ‘foreign’
born or who have at least one foreign born parent lived in poverty
(24.3%).

0.0%
1980
2005
Foreign Born
In comparison, slightly less than 1 in 10 children age 0-17 who
themselves were born in the U.S. or born of U.S. parents lived in
poverty (8.4%).
U.S. Born
Restrictions on Benefits to Legal Immigrants
U.S. = parent(s) born in the 50 U.S. States or Washington DC.
Foreign = parent(s) born in foreign countries and current or former U.S. Territories/outlying areas.
Parents whose marital status was unknown are excluded from calculations.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
Between 1980-2005, the number of Thurston County women who were
unmarried when their baby was born increased dramatically for both foreign
born and U.S. born women.
TANF:
Most legal immigrants are ineligible for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) program during their first five years in the United States. Even after the “fiveyear bar,” other restrictions apply. Each state decides whether to provide assistance to legal
immigrants who have lived in the United States for more than five years and whether to use state
funds to provide benefits during the first five years. Washington State generally subscribes to the
‘five-year bar’ for legal immigrants whose date of entry to the U.S. is after 1996 (federal welfare
reform legislation enactment).
Non-Emergency Medicaid:
Most legal immigrants are ineligible for health benefits under Medicaid and the State Children’s
Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) during their first five years in the United States. Washington
State generally subscribes to the ‘five-year bar’ for legal immigrants whose date of entry to the
U.S. is after 1996 for both non-emergency Medicaid and SCHIP.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
3
A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN
OF
IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
BIRTHS AND PARENTS’ COUNTRY OF BIRTH
Birth certificate data provides insight into the ethnic and cultural diversity of
children born in Thurston County. Though a portion of children born to county
moms will move out of the area, many will enter local child cares, preschools
and kindergartens.

About 6.7% of county births involving a foreign born parent were to a mom
and/or dad who was born in other Central American countries (specifically
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama).
Based on births to Thurston County women.
U.S. Territories
South Eastern Asia
The largest number of Thurston County births to foreign born parents are to
county residents originally from South Eastern Asia (specifically Cambodia,
Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).
In 2005:
 About 38.3% of county births involving a foreign born parent were to a
mom and/or dad who was born in South Eastern Asia.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
The U.S. holds numerous inhabited territories and outlying areas. Some of
these territories have entered into a relationship with the U.S. government
that provides residents with U.S. citizenship. Territories eligible for U.S.
citizenship include the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands
and Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
Thurston County residents who were born in U.S. Territories eligible for
citizenship, other current U.S. Territories such as American Samoa and
former U.S. Territories such as the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the
Marshall Islands add to the rich diversity of our local population.
In 2005:
 About 7.3% of county births involving a foreign born parent were to a
mom and/or dad who was born in Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands,
Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
Mexico and Other Central American Countries
The second largest number of Thurston County births to foreign born parents
are to county residents originally from Central America.
In 2005:
 About 21.5% of county births involving a foreign born parent were to a
mom and/or dad who was born in Mexico (considered part of Central
America).
According to Census 2000, many languages other than English are spoken in
current and former U.S. Territories including:
 Carolinian (Northern Mariana Islands, Palau)
 Chamorro (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands)
 Marshallese (Marshall Islands)
 Palauan (Palau)
 Philippine languages (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau)
 Spanish or Spanish Creole (Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands)
 Samoan (American Samoa)
And many more.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
4
A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN
OF
IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
FOREIGN BORN CHILDREN

Children who were born in a foreign country are another important component
of Thurston County’s child population. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s
American Community Survey provides a description of foreign born children.
In 2005:
 An estimated 3.3% of all Thurston County children age 0-17 were
foreign born.

This equates to an estimated 1,502 children age 0-17 who were born
in a foreign country.
Language Spoken by Foreign Born Children
In 2005:
 About half of all foreign born children age 5-17 in Thurston County do
not speak English at home (53.6%).

Of county foreign born children age 5-17 who spoke a language other
than English at home, about 2 in 5 spoke Spanish and another 2 in 5
spoke an Asian or Pacific Islander language.
CHILDREN LEARNING ENGLISH
The Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program (TBIP), offered through area
public school districts, provides insight into the diversity of children whose
primary language is other than English. Eligibility for this program depends on
student proficiency in English. Not every student who speaks a language
other than English needs additional assistance.
Children with limited exposure to English cannot profit fully from the
educational experience they receive at school and academic failure is linked to
ability to learn in an all-English classroom. Participation in TBIP does not
directly indicate whether a child is foreign born.
About 3 in 4 children served through the Transitional Bilingual Instruction
Program spoke either Spanish or Vietnamese.
Number of TBIP Students by Language Spoken,
Thurston County School Districts 2004-2005
Language
# of Students
% of Total
Spanish
361
59.1%
Vietnamese
91
14.9%
Korean
52
8.5%
Chinese
20
3.3%
Carolinian *
17
2.8%
Thai
9
1.5%
Samoan *
7
1.1%
Somali
6
1.0%
Tagalog
6
1.0%
Cambodian
5
0.8%
Amharic
4
0.7%
Japanese
4
0.7%
Lao
4
0.7%
Marshallese *
4
0.7%
Russian
4
0.7%
German
3
0.5%
Hindi
3
0.5%
Punjabi
3
0.5%
Chamorro *
2
0.3%
Tamil
2
0.3%
French
1
0.2%
Hebrew
1
0.2%
Swahili
1
0.2%
Telugu
1
0.2%
Total (All English
Language Learners)
611
100%
* A language associated with a current or former U.S. territory.
There were approximately 36,580 total students enrolled in Thurston County public schools
during the 2004-2005 school year.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
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A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN
OF
IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
DE T A I L E D DA T A
Number of Births to U.S. Born and Foreign Born Parents,
Thurston County: 1980-2005
1980
1990
2000
Both Foreign Parents
65
81
140
One Foreign, One U.S.
156
220
289
Both Native Parents
1,834
1,756
1,787
Percentage of Births to U.S. Born and Foreign Born Parents,
Thurston County: 1980-2005
1980
1990
2000
Both Foreign Parents
3.2%
3.9%
6.3%
One Foreign, One U.S.
7.6%
10.7%
13.0%
Both Native Parents
89.2%
85.4%
80.6%
100%
100%
100%
2005
180
340
1,825
2005
7.7%
14.5%
77.8%
100%
Percentage of Births to Foreign Born Parents by Educational
Attainment Level, Thurston County: 2005
Dad
8th Grade and Less
8.8%
9th to 12th Grade, No High School Diploma
15.5%
High School Diploma, No College
21.2%
Some College or Associate Degree
27.6%
Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate/Professional Degree
27.0%
100%
Mom
9.1%
11.8%
21.1%
30.7%
27.3%
100%
High School Diploma includes moms who received a GED.
U.S. = parent(s) born in the 50 U.S. States or Washington DC.
Foreign = parent(s) born in foreign countries and current or former U.S. Territories/outlying areas.
Parents whose educational attainment was unknown are excluded from calculations.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
U.S. = parent(s) born in the 50 U.S. States or Washington DC.
Foreign = parent(s) born in foreign countries and current or former U.S. Territories/outlying areas.
Parents whose country of birth was unknown are excluded from calculations.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
Percentage of Births to U.S. Born Parents by Moms Marital Status,
Thurston County: 1980-2005
1980
1990
2000
2005
Married at time of Birth
86.5%
76.8%
70.3%
70.0%
Unmarried at time of Birth
13.5%
23.2%
29.7%
30.0%
Percentage of Births to U.S. Born Parents by Educational Attainment
Level, Thurston County: 2005
Dad
Mom
8th Grade and Less
0.2%
0.7%
9th to 12th Grade, No High School Diploma
7.6%
9.6%
High School Diploma, No College
24.4%
25.5%
Some College or Associate Degree
40.7%
39.3%
Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate/Professional Degree
27.0%
24.9%
100%
100%
Percentage of Births to Foreign Born Parents by Moms Marital Status,
Thurston County: 1980-2005
1980
1990
2000
2005
Married at time of Birth
94.4%
81.8%
72.1%
73.2%
Unmarried at time of Birth
5.6%
18.2%
27.9%
26.8%
U.S. = parent(s) born in the 50 U.S. States or Washington DC.
Foreign = parent(s) born in foreign countries and current or former U.S. Territories/outlying areas.
Parents whose marital status was unknown are excluded from calculations.
Based on births to Thurston County women.
Figures may not add to total or 100% due to rounding.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
6
A NEW GENERATION: CHILDREN
OF
IMMIGRANTS
Issue 2, October 2006
ABOUT IMMIGRATION STATUS
ABOUT THE SERIES
This publication does not address the
immigration status of foreign born parents or
children, primarily because the data does not
provide a way to know whether county residents
are legal or illegal immigrants.
The State of Our Children: Thurston County series is a child-centered
collection of information sheets that profile the experiences of young children
and the circumstances within which they live their early years of life. This
series focuses on county children between the ages of birth – 6th grade. Each
profile explores a single premise or concept using local data and research.
The U.S. Census Bureau collects data that describes whether foreign born
residents are naturalized U.S. citizens and whether they are ‘not’ a U.S.
citizen. Becoming a U.S. citizen takes many years and is not a requirement
for legal permanent residency in the U.S.
Each issue of the series provides community members with a unique
opportunity to learn more about Thurston County’s children. It is our hope
that the series will be used to support community discussions about our
youngest residents.
Though counted as foreign born in this publication, it is important to note that
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are eligible for U.S. citizenship.
The early years of a child’s life sets the stage for the future. United Way of
Thurston County and the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Department are committed to supporting proactive, strategic approaches to
children’s issues that build stronger community systems and environments
that support children and their families.
Data and content used in this issue was drawn from:

Princeton University and The Brookings Institution. “The Future of Children: Children
of Immigrants”. Volume 14 - Number 2. Summer 2004. www.futureofchildren.org

Urban Institute. “Health and Well-Being of Young Children of Immigrants”. 2004.
www.urban.org

KIDS COUNT and Population Reference Bureau. “Children in Immigrant Families:
U.S. and State-Level Findings from the 2000 Census”. 2005.
www.aecf.org/kidscount/kc_pubs.htm

Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics. Birth Certificate
Records. 1980-2005. www.doh.wa.gov

U.S. Census Bureau. Census 2000 Public Use Microdata (PUMS) 5% Person File.

U.S. Census Bureau. B05003. Sex by Age by Citizenship Status. 2005 American
Community Survey. www.census.gov/acs

Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. “Eligibility A-Z Manual”.
www1.dshs.wa.gov/esa/eazmanual

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Educating English Language Learners in
Washington State School Year 2004/05”. 2005. www.k12.wa.us/migrantbilingual

Central Intelligence Agency. “The World Factbook 2006”.
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook

Urban Institute. “Immigration and Child and Family Policy”. 2006. www.urban.org
Prepared by the Epidemiology, Assessment and Planning section of the
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department
NOTE OF APPRECIATION
We would like to thank all of the community members who supported the
development of this series, with a special note of appreciation to those who
contributed to the content found within the series and the Early Childhood
Coalition. We would also like to recognize the dedicated time and effort
provided by Sandy Nelson, Sound to Harbor Headstart/ECEAP and Gail
Gosney, Thurston Community Network which helped lay the framework used
for the series.
MORE INFORMATION

Questions about this publication can be directed to Mary Ann O’Garro at
360-867-2525 or [email protected]

Additional copies of this or other State of Our Children issues can be
obtained by visiting www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/admin/data
The State of Our Children: Thurston County 2006
 Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department  United Way of Thurston County 
7