Latin American migration to the United Kingdom

Early presence of political figures established his campaign for Latin American independence in London. Latin Americans have lived in what is now the United Kingdom for centuries, albeit in much smaller numbers than today. In 1595, Sir Walter Raleigh established an alliance with the Indigenous chief Morequito of Spanish Guyana (present-day Venezuela). Morequito entrusted his son, Caywerace, to Raleigh for education in London, under an agreement that he would be installed as emperor of Guyana should England conquer the region. Caywerace accompanied Raleigh as a servant for several years. The earliest Latin American migrants arrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily politicians and writers who settled in London. Their aim was to raise funds for weapons to support the liberation of Latin America from Spanish and Portuguese rule. Prior to this legislation, strict rules limited work permits and residency in mainland Britain to individuals from current or former British overseas colonies and territories. This group included both right-wing individuals fleeing the government of Salvador Allende and, later, leftists escaping Augusto Pinochet's regime. Most migrated between 1986 and 1997, driven by escalating guerrilla and paramilitary violence in Colombia. Bolivians represent a smaller Latin American refugee group in the UK. During Bolivia's late 20th-century political instability, many Bolivians chose to migrate to the United States or neighbouring South American countries. Nevertheless, the UK remains the second most common European destination for Bolivian migrants, regardless of migration status. Cuban migration to the UK, though relatively small in scale, began in the early 1960s following the Communist takeover of Cuba. Many Cubans left during the Freedom Flights, which began in 1965, and a number chose the UK as an alternative to the United States. == Demographics and population ==

Unlike the censuses of the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom Census does not include a category that allows individuals to identify as "Latin American." Consequently, it is difficult to determine the exact number of British citizens or residents of Latin American ethnic or national origin. Official statistics on Latin American-born residents According to the 2001 UK Census, 62,735 Latin Americans living in the United Kingdom were born in their respective countries of origin. An additional 1,338 individuals reported their birthplace as "South or Central America," though not all South American countries are considered "Latin." Other population estimates Several additional estimates of the Latin American population in the United Kingdom have been published. A detailed analysis conducted in May 2011 estimated the population at 186,500, including 113,500 in London. This figure encompasses irregular migrants and second-generation Latin Americans. Population distribution According to a 2005 report by the Institute for Public Policy Research, based on data from the 2001 Census, the ten census tracts with the largest South American-born populations were all located in London. Hyde Park recorded the highest number, followed by Vauxhall North, Kensington, Chelsea, Vauxhall South, Regent's Park, Streatham North, Hammersmith, Streatham South, Hackney South, and Newham. Outside London, the largest South American-born populations were recorded in Oxford, Cambridge, central Manchester, central Bristol, central Edinburgh, and Milton Keynes. More recent commentary has suggested that Liverpool may now host the largest Latin American population in the UK outside London. Areas such as the Latin Village in South Tottenham and Elephant and Castle contain concentrations of Latin American shops and clubs. However, due to gentrification, the Latin American community in Elephant and Castle has experienced increasing displacement from the area. == Latin Americans acquiring British citizenship ==

The table below presents the number of Latin Americans who acquired British citizenship between 1997 and 2008, listed in alphabetical order. == Cultural impact ==

Festivals Several festivals celebrating Latin American culture take place in the United Kingdom, including: • Brazilica Festival (Liverpool) • Carnaval del Pueblo (London) • Carnival de Cuba (London) • El Sueño Existe (Machynlleth) Newspapers The newspaper Noticias Latin America (NLA) was published in London from 1992 until around 2008. It ceased publication, and the company was officially dissolved in 2010. Crónica Latina was likely among the first Latin American newspapers published in London. Founded in 1984 by Juan Salgado, it initially appeared under the title Notas de Colombia before adopting the name Crónica Latinas in 1986. The newspaper is no longer in circulation. == Social and political issues ==

Assimilation into British culture Latin Americans residing in the United Kingdom are sometimes described as the "Invisibles," a term used to highlight their limited visibility in public life and the absence of formal recognition as an ethnic minority group. Economics and employment Approximately 85 per cent of Latin Americans in the UK are employed, although many work in positions below their skill or qualification levels, and relatively few receive state benefits. Around 70 per cent have some level of education beyond secondary school. However, they are reportedly ten times more likely to earn less than the minimum wage. ==Notable individuals==