Patterns of American immigration and their influence on the acquisition ofneuropsychological norms for Hispanics

This article examines patterns of legal American immigration (migrations to the United States from abroad) and their direct impact on the acquisition of neuropsychological (NP) normative data for Hispanics. The nonrandom and selective nature of these migrations, and their accompanying demographic at tributes, are shown to significantly influence the acquisition process. Spe cifically, the direct impact of several potential sources of bias while pro curing NP norms is explored Total number of immigrants (absolute immigratio n), occupational allegiance (and possibly education), and intended area of initial residence seem to play influential roles as a result of their direc t impact on demographic characteristics known to have significant effects o n neuropsychological performance. Possible solutions capable of enhancing t he acquisition process are also addressed. (C) 1999 National Academy of Neu ropsychology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.