Immigration is the process of individuals entering a new country (23). In centuries past, immigration has been a means of discovery and exploration of new lands. In today's culture, immigration to the United States is a path for individuals who want to start a new life and take advantage of the capitalist and entrepreneurial system. People from many countries have emigrated to the United States. More recently, migrants have come from countries in Central and South America. These Latin American countries influence American society culturally and economically through their language, traditions, and workforce. From the 1990s to today, immigration from Latin American countries has more than doubled. Mexico is one of the largest providers of immigrants to the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, 16.3% of our country's population is primarily made up of people of Hispanic or Latino origin (4) (this percentage does not include illegal immigrants). By understanding the context and development of immigration, the effects of immigration on the economy and culture, and the different perspectives of Americans on immigration, one can begin to grasp the overall importance that Latin American immigration has on American infrastructure. the history and trends of Latin American immigration, we can begin to understand the impact of immigration on American society. Latin American countries have not always been the primary source countries for immigrants to the United States; however, with the Immigration and Nationality Act, they overtook immigration from European countries and rose to the top (1). Subsequently, a number of Hispanics were......middle of paper......acts. Cato Institute and National Immigration Forum, nd Web. February 12, 2012. < http://www.cato.org/pubs/policy_report/pr-imsum.html>.1. “Immigration to the United States before 1965 – Articles, videos, images and facts from History.com.” History.com — History Made Every Day — American and World History. Np, and Web. February 5, 2012. .4. “USA QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau.” Quick facts about the state and county. Np, and Web. February 8, 2012.2. United States Census Bureau. “Hispanic Population of the United States.” Census Bureau home page. Np, and Web. February 5, 2012.16. USA. United States Census Bureau. United States Census Bureau. Comp. ASEC. United States Census Bureau, 2009. Web. February 12. 2012. .