They share that culture in the businesses they open and the festivals they hold. Contrary to what many think, the immigrants, the Quad-Cities is becoming home to are not all unskilled, Mr. Elgatian said. Doctors and engineers fill the ranks of those who come to the area as well as those among the welfare rank and file. Mr. Elgatian said. They generally don't like the outside world to know there is a problem.
Immigrants come prepared to work and succeed.
Nationally, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses has increased 165 percent in the last dozen years. Businesses include restaurants, bakeries, clothing stores and gift shops, Ms. Schneekloth said. Lack of technology, few jobs and an unsteady economy drive people away from their homes in Mexico. Mexican officials don't like it, but there is little they can do. Building a new home is impossible on the wages they earn in their homeland.