According to statistical experts, it takes 2.1 births per family to replace and maintain a stable population from generation to generation. In the United States, that replacement fertility rate is 1.62.
There is talk at the highest level about awarding $5,000 per baby and other incentives to get America to produce more children. Given the seriousness of the problem, the $5,000 concept appears more as a symbolic gesture to encourage a cultural change in a population that has for decades been moving away from a focus on having children.
Yet, given the divisiveness in the moment we are living, there is intrigue whenever we talk about artificially fostering growth in this important area rather than leaving the matter to natural selection. I am thinking of the great loss of population and future growth as a result of our current attempt to deport millions of workers that typify the core of the work force for the country.
I am thinking of the Constitutional right to citizenship to all children born in America and how it is being challenged by the same people that are advocating for the idea. I am thinking about the hunting of Latino immigrants for deportation purposes while, at the same time, encouraging South African minority Whites to immigrate and see the United States as their ultimate safe haven.
I had occasion to see a segment of a CNN news show that covered the $5,000 per baby initiative. Part of that segment included a family that was doing its part by having lots of babies.
The discussion revealed several disturbing details, including the notion that the $5,000 should not go to all mothers. The implication was that the money should go only to families from low birthrate communities and those expected to bringing up a child in the right way.
For me the result was a feeling that there would be exclusivity in the specifics of the encouragement. It would exclude Latinos because, although there has been some decrease since 2007, Latino women have the highest birthrate in the country at 65.7 per thousand and produce over 25% of the children in America.
Statistical reports show that White women are having babies at the rate of 51 per thousand, bare 50% of the newborn and are trending down. Indications are that the Latino community’s share of infants will continue to grow to a majority later in the century.
I believe that is, in part, one of the reasons for the urgency to deport as many Latino immigrants as possible. The fact that our leadership recognizes the need for a population increase while, at the same time, seeks to reduce the number of people and growth possibilities through deportation, is the demographic paradox of our time.
On the one hand, we seek to incentivize the having of children. On the other, we seek to get rid of our mostly Latino working immigrants.
Over the years, I have seen largely young Latino immigrants, documented and undocumented, at work in the hospitality industry, the farm fields of the east coast and the Midwest, in the construction industry including the rebuilding of the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and start successful new business among other endeavors. Their documented role as the backbone of our work force that enriches the country economically and culturally has had no ceiling.
Latino leadership in producing babies for population stabilization is undeniable. However, they may not qualify for the 5,000 bonus more because of their color.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of LaVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
