Spanish Isn't Hispanic. New York's definition of "Hispanic" for purposes of certifying minority-owned businesses for possible affirmative action excludes people of Spanish or Portugese descent who do not also come from Latin America. The Second Circuit, in Jana-Rock Construction v. New York State Department of Economic Development held that under rational basis review the distinction passes constitutional muster. The decision, which was rendered on February 21, 2006, can be found at the Second Circuit website.