Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Washington (Agenzia Fides) - In 2010 the number of children considered poor in the United States increased by 1 million, one child out of 5 live in poverty. According to the latest census, just published, children living in poverty, especially children, are more likely to cognitive and behavioral problems with regards to completing school education and live longer periods of unemployment compared to their peers. During the survey, 21.6% of children around the country were poor, compared to 20% in 2009. Although the United States is one of the richest countries in the world, the national poverty rate is 15.3% while the unemployment rate is 9%. In 24 states and Washington, DC, over 20% of children under 17 years of age live on the poverty line or even below. From the census it also showed that the percentage of poor white children in 2010 increased in 25 states compared to the previous year. Overall, white and Asian children have a poverty rate below the national average, while black people recorded the highest with 38.2%. Poor Hispanic children are 32.3%, and those belonging to several ethnic groups 22.7%. In some states, these minors live worse than others. About one out of three live in one of the four most populous states, where there was an increase in the number and percentage of poor children between 2009 and 2010. In California there are 2 million poor children, 1.8 million in Texas, a little less than 1 million in Florida and New York. From the census it appears that in 2010 the number and percentage of poor children increased in 27 states. New Mexico is one of the worst, with an increase of 4.7%. Among others, Mississippi registered the highest proportion with 32.5% of poor children. In 10 states child poverty rates are 25% or more, the states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. In New Hampshire the lowest rate is recorded with 10%. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2011)
