As shown in the graph, 28.2% of the foreign-born Jamaican population has graduated high school only in New York City. This is actually a higher percentage of high school graduates than NYC’s collective foreign-born population, 23.5%, and more surprisingly the native-born population, 25.1%. Although this may be due to high English proficiency compared to other immigrant groups, foreign-born Jamaicans might also be placing more emphasis on the obtainment of a high school diploma to succeed. The percentage of college attainment or more might still be low, but this may change as they integrate into society. After all, with no language barriers and high school degrees, foreign-born Jamaicans will be able to find employment much more easily and have the basic skills to climb the socio-economic ladder.
Lobo, Arun Peter, and Joseph J. Salvo. 2004. The Newest New Yorkers, 2000: Immigrant New York in the New Millennium. New York: New York City Department of City Planning, Population Division.
