2025
9
US First and Second Generation Americans Consumer Report 2025
2025-03-05T14:04:10+00:00
REP9EF17319_050E_455E_8A57_A4A3D4A0A08F
3695
180128
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Report
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Together, 1st and 2nd gen Americans make up an estimated 25% of the US population. While diverse in culture, language and intent in the US,…
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  6. US First and Second Generation Americans Consumer Report 2025

US First and Second Generation Americans Consumer Report 2025

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Together, 1st and 2nd gen Americans make up an estimated 25% of the US population. While diverse in culture, language and intent in the US, they share characteristics that can serve as guideposts for marketers.

1st gen immigrants emphasize family, hard work and preserving their cultural heritage. Many rely on established community networks, as well as both traditional and social media, to acclimate to US culture and build a life in the US. Their consumer behavior reflects a need for trust, cultural continuity and practical support – favoring products like remittance services, bilingual apps, and community-based promotions.

In contrast, 2nd gen Americans balance inherited traditions with a more individualistic, modern outlook. They are digitally savvy and lean toward self-driven discovery through online search and social media. Their attitudes prioritize career, self-expression and social justice, making them more receptive to brands that champion inclusivity and advocate for fair treatment.

For marketers, this means tailoring strategies to each group. Understanding attitudinal and behavioral differences is key to effective targeting, engagement and building loyalty in the diverse immigrant market.

This report looks at the following areas:

  • Demographics and trends of 1st and 2nd generation Americans
  • Differences in attitudes and behaviors between the general population, 1st gen and 2nd gen Americans, and their social and psychological context
  • Guidance on marketing, messaging and targeting 1st and 2nd gen Americans
  • Which aspects of their life reflect the culture of their heritage
  • Their metrics for success and their long-term plans in the US
  • 1st and 2nd gen Americans’ information-gathering and shopping behaviors
  • Innovations in products, services and marketing examples

1st and 2nd generation Americans make up an estimated 25% of the US population and have significant economic and cultural influence.

Hiro Takemasa, Senior Consumer Lifestyles Analyst

Market Definitions

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel uses the following definitions:

  • 1st generation Americans/immigrants are foreign-born residents of the US, regardless of citizenship status.
  • 2nd generation Americans are those born in the US with at least one parent born outside the US.
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  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Immigration drives global social and economic change
    • Policy change in the US appears to be moving quickly
    • Market scenario: policy significantly limits immigration into the US
    • Market scenario: social attitudes towards immigration hardens
    • What consumers want & why
    • Opportunities
    • Recontextualizing foreign innovations can attract both immigrants and mainstream US consumers
    • Blend foreign and US mainstream sensibilities to entice immigrants and Polycultural Pioneers, a key US consumer segment
    • Modulate political messaging between 1st gen immigrants and 2nd gen Americans
    • Appeal with shared values, emphasize commonality through inclusive representation
  2. MARKET DYNAMICS

    • Market context
    • Headline inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month in January to 3% , staying above the Fed target of 2%
    • Graph 1: headline CPI and core CPI, 2021-24
    • Consumer sentiment falls from late 2024 peak; February is the lowest since November 2023
    • Graph 2: consumer sentiment index, 2022-25
    • Economic outlook
    • Market drivers
    • Number of immigrants in the US is at an all-time high …
    • Graph 3: number of immigrants (thousands) and immigrants as share of the US population (%), 1850-2023
    • Notes on immigration and data collection
    • A surge in humanitarian migrants to the US has spurred backlash towards immigration
    • With each generation, the US population becomes more diverse
    • Graph 4: distribution of US generations, by Hispanic origin, 2023
    • Graph 5: distribution of US generations, by race, 2023
    • Those identifying as multiracial now make up almost 10% of the US population
    • Brands are reassessing their stances on issues outside their core offerings
    • Despite the current political landscape, the cultural blending of the US will continue
    • Navigating the current (March 2025) political atmosphere on immigration
  3. TARGET AUDIENCE OVERVIEW

    • Profile of 1st generation immigrants
    • 1st generation immigrants – what you need to know
    • Combined, Latin Americans and Asian Americans make up almost two thirds of the foreign-born population in the US
    • Graph 6: distribution of the US foreign-born population, percent of total, by region of origin
    • Latin American regions and countries make up half of current foreign-born living in America
    • Graph 7: population estimates of foreign-born population in the US, by country or region of origin, 2023
    • Immigration from Asia has surpassed that of Central America
    • Graph 8: immigrant global origin, by year of entry into the US, 2023
    • A fast-growing Asian population – Chinese and Indian, in particular – will drive demand for products associated with these cultures
    • Graph 9: Asian population, by country of origin/heritage, 2022
    • 1st gen immigrants skew toward working age and gaining in citizenship
    • Graph 10: citizenship status of foreign-born population in the US, 2010-23
    • Graph 11: age groups, by nativity and citizenship, 2023
    • 1st gen immigrants’ achievement of a bachelor’s and higher degrees are in-line with native US citizens
    • Graph 12: educational attainment of those 25 years and over, by nativity and citizenship, 2023
    • Immigrants are an important labor force in the service sector
    • Graph 13: household income, by nativity and citizenship, 2022
    • Graph 14: occupations, by nativity and citizenship, 2023
    • 1st gen immigrants overwhelmingly favor metropolitan areas, have larger families than the native US median
    • Graph 15: household size, by nativity and US citizenship, 2023
    • Graph 16: metropolitan status, by nativity and US citizenship, 2023
    • Profile of 2nd generation Americans
    • 2nd generation Americans: what you need to know
    • Combined, half of 2nd gen Americans are either Hispanic or mixed race, one quarter are White
    • Graph 17: age groups, by 2nd gen Americans vs all, 2024
    • Graph 18: race and ethnicity, by 2nd gen Americans vs all, 2024
    • 2nd gen Americans are average in educational attainment, but lag behind for household income
    • Graph 19: educational attainment, by 2nd gen Americans vs all, 2024
    • Graph 20: household income, by 2nd gen Americans vs all, 2024
    • Half of 2nd gen live in the suburbs – more than 1st gen and all Americans
    • Graph 21: living area, by 2nd gen Americans vs all, 2024
    • Graph 22: household size, by 2nd gen Americans vs all, 2024
  4. CONSUMER INSIGHTS

    • Consumer fast facts
    • Consumer fast facts, continued
    • Values and short-term goals in the US
    • 1st and 2nd gen Americans have different life goals
    • Graph 23: important goals in life (select three), by nativity, 2024
    • 1st gen immigrants are focused on establishing a secure foundation
    • 2nd gen Americans’ life goals are more self-focused
    • Life goals of 1st and 2nd gen Americans are reflected in their near-term goals
    • Graph 24: five-year goals (all that apply), by nativity, 2024
    • Brands that support entrepreneurship should focus on Hispanic and recent 1st gen immigrants
    • Graph 25: 1st gen immigrants – five-year goals (all that apply), by select demographics, 2024
    • Younger 1st gen immigrants are higher-value targets for retirement related financial products
    • Graph 26: saving for retirement a five-year goal, by nativity and age, 2024
    • Modulate upskilling and educational marketing towards 1st gen demographics
    • Graph 27: 1st gen immigrants – most important life goal (improving myself*), five-year goals, by select demographics, 2024
    • Target health products and services by immigrant generations and education levels
    • Graph 28: 1st immigrants and 2nd gen Americans – maintaining physical health as a life goal, by select demographics, 2024
    • Asian Americans have a particularly unique focus on health
    • Uniquely API health products
    • 2nd generation young adults and parents are in the market for more space
    • Graph 29: 1st gen immigrants and 2nd gen Americans – new living space within the next five years, by select demographics, 2024
    • Understanding immigrant housing trends: urban vs suburban preferences
    • Immigrants’ intentions and cultural integration in the US
    • An older immigrant’s pragmatism on the Melting Pot theory of American culture
    • Help immigrants balance their desire to integrate into the US with their commitments in their country of origin
    • Graph 30: intentions in the US, by 1st and 2nd gen, 2024
    • Target these sub-segments of the immigrant community for remittance services and products
    • Graph 31: sending remittances, by 1st and 2nd gen select demographics, 2024
    • 2nd gen parents may be in the market for linguistic and cultural literacy solutions for their children
    • Graph 32: intentions for their children, by 1st and 2nd gen parents, 2024
    • Keep flexibility in mind when marketing to younger immigrants, who are more likely to consider mobility
    • Graph 33: intention to stay or leave the US, by 1st and 2nd gen and age, 2024
    • Solutions for 1st gen should focus on language and other immediate concerns
    • Graph 34: difficulties experienced in the US – cultural, by 1st and 2nd gen, 2024
    • Social justice narratives more likely to resonate with 2nd gen Americans
    • Graph 35: difficulties experienced in the US – logistical, by 1st and 2nd gen, 2024
    • Working in the US
    • 2nd generation Americans, attuned to their individualism, are more likely to prefer creative & media industries
    • Graph 36: preferred industries to pursue a career in (select up to three), by nativity, 2024
    • Market continuing education programs and collegiate degrees by preferred industry
    • Graph 37: preferred industries to pursue a career in (select up to three), by 1st and 2nd gen aged 18-44, 2024
    • Career aspirations by 1st and 2nd gen and education
    • Graph 38: preferred industries to pursue a career in (select up to three), by 1st and 2nd gen with a four-year college degree or higher, 2024
    • Graph 39: preferred industries to pursue a career in (select up to three), by 1st and 2nd gen with less than a four-year degree, 2024
    • Career aspirations by 1st and 2nd gen and gender
    • Graph 40: preferred industries to pursue a career in (select up to three), by 1st and 2nd gen and female, 2024
    • Graph 41: preferred industries to pursue a career in (select up to three), by 1st and 2nd gen and male, 2024
    • Themes of entrepreneurship – independence, commercial success, hard work – resonate well with 1st gen immigrants
    • Graph 42: starting a business as a five-year goal, by nativity and select 1st gen demographics, 2024
    • Immigrant experiences and attitudes towards parenting
    • 2nd gen are significantly less likely to see raising a family as a life goal
    • 1st and 2nd gen both highly value education and mental health solutions for their children
    • Graph 43: parents’ attitudes towards raising their children – education and health (agree), by nativity, 2024
    • 2nd gen parents may lean towards child-driven educational programs more than authoritative ones
    • Help immigrants of all generations to educate their children about their heritage
    • Graph 44: parents’ attitudes towards raising their children – heritage (agree), by nativity, 2024
    • Mainstream themes and marketing are welcomed by most immigrant parents
    • Graph 45: parents’ attitudes towards raising their children – culture and society (agree), by nativity, 2024
    • 2nd gen parents are especially receptive to social justice messaging
    • Help 1st gen and 2nd gen parents reconcile parenting styles
    • Cultural influences of life in the US
    • Cultural acclimation asks immigrants to curate their traditions
    • 2nd gen Americans’ palates receptive to a wide range of cultural influences
    • Graph 46: attitudes toward cultural influence of preferred food, by nativity, 2024
    • 1st gen Hispanics and women prefer content of their heritage, while 1st gen men tend toward American mainstream culture
    • Graph 47: attitudes toward cultural influence of preferred video content, by nativity, 1st gen by gender and 1st gen Hispanics, 2024
    • Graph 48: attitudes toward cultural influence of preferred music, by nativity, 1st gen by gender and 1st gen Hispanics, 2024
    • 1st gen Hispanics and women prefer content of their heritage, while 1st gen men tend toward American mainstream culture
    • The robustness of Hispanic communities in the US are opportunities for collaboration
    • Graph 49: attitudes toward cultural influence of preferred community, by nativity, 1st gen by gender and 1st gen Hispanics, 2024
    • Graph 50: attitudes toward cultural influence of personal beliefs, by nativity and Hispanics, 2024
    • The robustness of Hispanic communities in the US are opportunities for collaboration
    • Immigrant parents are open to culturally blended standards of beauty
    • Graph 51: attitudes toward cultural influence of physical appearance, by nativity and parental status, 2024
    • 2nd gen’s diverse experiences open them to cultural experimentation and exploration
    • Purchasing and information-gathering behaviors
    • Leverage social media ads for 1st gen consumers, maintain search engine strategy for 2nd gen
    • 1st and 2nd gens’ cultural differences with gen pop are reflected in product discovery patterns
    • Graph 52: product/service discovery platforms, by nativity, 2024
    • 1st and 2nd gen consumers both respond better to targeted content
    • Graph 53: product/service discovery platforms – select items, by nativity, 2024
    • Reach immigrants by partnering with influencers with immigrant origins
    • Graph 54: 1st generation – product/service discovery platforms – select items, by years lived in the US, 2024
    • Immigrants with less education discover products passively, compared to those with higher education
    • Graph 55: 1st generation – product/services discovery platforms – select items, by education level, 2024
    • Key takeaways for advertisers
    • WhatsApp joins Facebook and YouTube, Instagram as priority platforms for marketing to immigrants
    • Graph 56: daily usage of social media platforms, by nativity, 2024
    • Some platforms are standout choices for immigrants, compared to gen pop preferences
    • 1st gen immigrants prefer mass merchandisers, while 2nd gen shop around
    • Graph 57: retail categories used once a week or more, by nativity, 2024
    • Tailor retail strategies to meet 1st and 2nd gen preferences
    • 1st gen parents favor value and one-stop-shopping
  5. INNOVATION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES

    • Launch activity and innovation
    • Western Union relies on its history and world-wide reach to communicate reliability and accessibility
    • Fusion foods appeal to both acclimating immigrants and the culturally curious
    • DOVE’s Real Beauty campaign’s inclusivity speaks directly to immigrants
    • Beauty products can find a wide audience by blending native and US mainstream sensibilities
    • Messaging featuring universally shared values humanizes immigrant professionals
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Goya Sazón celebrates 50 years by touring Hispanic community grocery stores
    • “Minari” offers a poignant view of immigrant perseverance family tensions
    • Walmart collaborates with local Chinese community for Chinese New Year celebration
    • Chevy makes efforts towards improving the dealership experience for Hispanic Americans
    • Shared values transcend racial identities
  6. APPENDIX

    • Market definition
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Generations
    • Abbreviations and terms

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