Although often considered to be homogeneous, the Hispanic community contains many culturally diverse groups. In the United States today, those of Mexican heritage--by far the largest subgroup within the Hispanic community--can be further classified as Mexicano (undocumented resident), Mexican American, or Chicano. This classification system affords greater understanding of diverse needs, lifestyles, and aspirations. The subgroups can be analyzed in the areas of socioeconomic status, educational background, religious preferences, family size, political orientation, place of residence, philosophical make-up, languages spoken, and period of time living in the United States. The Mexicanos are newcomers and economic refugees escaping the unemployment and underemployment found in Mexico. They typically settle in urban centers, where they find low paying and unskilled positions. They must learn the language and culture of a new country and live with the constant possibility of deportation. Those who call themselves Mexican Americans may trace their United States ancestry back one generation or many. They believe in the Melting Pot concept of society with cultural differences and languages merged. Those who call themselves Chicanos relate to American society as a culturally pluralistic mix. They are Americans from all walks of life, who see themselves as having an important cultural heritage. (JHZ)