Hispanics may share a language, a religion, and a similar culture, but they are not a homogeneous group. They are from many different countries, with different histories and ethnicities. This booklet describes the situation of Hispanic Americans, the fastest growing minority group in the country. The largest group of Hispanics in the United States is Mexicans, followed by Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Central and South Americans from 16 different countries. The relative youth of the Hispanic American population and both high fertility and high rates of immigration are all factors in the rapid growth of this population. Ninety percent of Hispanics live in 9 states--5 of them in the Southwest. New York, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey also have substantial Hispanic populations (varying from 11% in New York to 3% in New Jersey). Most Hispanics of Mexican origin live in the Southwest; most Hispanics of Cuban origin live in Florida; and most Hispanics of Puerto Rican origin live in the Northeast. Hispanics generally have educational attainment lower than the national average. Although they are active members of the country's labor force, they are often forced to take lower paying jobs with less security. These factors contribute to high poverty among Hispanics. This booklet briefly examines the history of Mexican Americans, Cubans, and Puerto Ricans in the United States. Immigration of Central and South Americans is also noted. Important issues concerning Hispanic/Americans are immigration laws, future work force and economic impacts, education, English-only laws, and political representation and participation. This report contains 23 references. (DHP/CBH)