“From Exclusionary Covenant to Ethnic Hyperdiversity in Jackson Heights, Queens” by Ines M. Miyares mainly focused on Jackson Heights to demonstrate the dramatic change in its ethnic population from the past few decades. Jackson Heights was not meant to be diverse. It was supposed to be the getaway for high earning working people from the New York City. The houses were grand and the neighborhood was clean.

However, the stock market crash in 1929 and the stagnation of real estate 1930s became the spark to the change of Jackson Heights from a rich white town into a town of hyperdiversity. Because of these economical problems, apartments were very hard to sell. In 1950s, finally a new group of people started moving into Jackson heights. These groups of people were Latin Americans who had entrepreneurial experience and were in need to establish a stable business. Because these Latinos were experienced and educated, it was common for them to settle down in Jackson Heights’ “discounted” apartments (thanks to stock market crash).

However, even as late as 1970s, Jackson heights was called “a largely white, middle-class neighborhood”. So what factor impacted the diversity of Jackson Heights the most? The Immigration Reform Act of 1965 removed the quotas on immigrants and made immigration more advantageous. This new wave of immigrants was highly educated and they settled in neighborhoods with large and affordable housings, easily accessible public transportation, and available storefronts for new businesses (and Jackson Heights was a perfect match for Hispanic/Latino and Asian population). As shown in the article’s chart, in 2000, 63% of Jackson Heights’ residents were foreigners. It really is ironic to actually think that Jackson Heights was supposed to be for white rich Europeans. Coincidently, the conditions in Jackson Heights were perfect for the immigrants and this coincidence made Jackson Heights one of the most diverse city in the world.