Increasing Mexican population in Bozeman? (Billings, Whitefish: credit, hotels, gated)

[Antonio Montana]

I've heard from a few sources (not sure how reputable they are) that Bozeman has seen a significant increase in its Mexican population. Is this true? If so, why?

By the way, I find it kind of strange that Idaho has a very large Mexican population, but our state of Montana has very few.

Thanks in advance for any responses or info.

[Dangerous Dave]

Most of the Latino population in Idaho is in the southern part of the state where the agriculture industry is heavier than in other areas.

Why Montana doesn't have the same most likely has to do with the mechanization of the type of agricultural industries in Montana.

[historyfan]

Exactly as Dave said.

There have been legal temporary guest workers of Spanish speaking countries in Ag (pipe changers, herders) for several decades in Southwestern Montana. I'm aware of a small few who have become naturalized citizens with aid of their employers & have families here.

Billings has had a Mexican American community for many generations---since the days of development of Huntley Project irrigated farms. In order to not have to find new workers each year for the beet fields, families were encouraged to live year round by having credit extended to them for groceries etc. to winter on.

Additionally there are few groups of Hispanic loggers & small sawmill owners near National forests in Southeastern Montana. They are naturalized citizens with families.

In Bozeman/Yellowstone/Big Sky & Whitefish last year (or year before ) I noticed hotels had temporary workers in housekeeping who were from old Eastern bloc countries.

[Antonio Montana]

Thanks for the responses. They are very informative and helpful. I take it that the Mexican population in Billings is still pretty small.