The Diverse Population Of Fort Lauderdale

Many of the southern most states and cities of the United States of America contain significant numbers of foreign born residents. Texas, Florida, and California are all well known for the various ethnic groups that contribute to the diverse cultures of their respective areas. These states tend to attract foreign born persons due to their proximate location to several borders as well as their well publicized good weather for most of the year.

Because of that large foreign born population, you will find a large variety of activities going on every year in Florida. There might be a hockey tournament scheduled for Northern European expats, a Creole fest for those hailing from Caribbean nations, or Fiesta Days for former Mexican citizens. You just never know what is going to be going on!

Fort Lauderdale is no exception to the rule that southern, temperate states tend to have more foreign born residents in their cities than other states in the US. In fact, Fort Lauderdale has just under one quarter of its population admitting to be foreign born, well above the national average. Like it or not, the city is quickly becoming multi-cultural, a Canadian trademark, firm American immigration laws notwithstanding.

As we mentioned, the proximity of Florida to several central, Caribbean, Latin American nations as well as Mexico is in part responsible for its large percentage of foreigners. Many of these residents arrive as refugees, often going to great risk to land on the shores of America's southernmost state. Haitians, Cubans, and others are among these groups. Once there, however, the risk does not end for these immigrants. The United States has strict regulations regarding foreign workers (Canada does as well but does not have to use them as often due to the nation's relative isolation), which means that more often than not apprehended travelers will be sent back.

On the other side of the coin are the immigrants who have come to Fort Lauderdale in order to spend their remaining years in the land of the sun. Northern business tycoons, those who have been able to make full use of the R & D tax credit Canada offers, are among these. Having accomplished their work, they feel it is time to rest away from the cold climates that these northern countries have to offer.

Of course, making the switch is not without its risks even for people who have already earned their living in a wealthy nation. Canadians and Europeans are both used to a higher level of public care than that which is provided in America. Home health care BC programs are subsidized by the provincial government, and similar systems operate throughout the globe. Some immigrants can be in for quite a shock when they realize what their medical bills can actually cost!

Fort Lauderdale is home to a significant percentage of foreign born residents. Groups from both north and south come to the city for different reasons, and with different risks. These citizens contribute on a large scale to the taste and the economy of the Fort Lauderdale area.