Media Use and Acculturation of New Immigrants in the United States

Data from Princeton University’s New Immigrant Survey were analyzed to examine the associations between immigrants’ media use and 3 indicators of acculturation—current English proficiency, preference to use English in interactions, and American political knowledge. Findings show that pre-immigration uses of English language TV, radio, and print media and post-immigration use of English language print media were associated with higher current English proficiency. Pre-immigration use of native language print media and post-immigration uses of English language TV, radio, and print media were positively associated with a current preference to use English in interactions. Post-immigration use of native language print media was inversely associated with a preference to use English. Furthermore, post-immigration uses of native language radio and print media were positively associated with current American political knowledge. The findings imply that it is an oversimplification to assume that native language media hinders acculturation.