Latinos: More difficult to achieve the ‘American Dream’ but they show hope

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A new report from Chapman University’s Center for Demographics and Policy offers a comprehensive analysis of demographic trends among California’s Latino community and how the policy landscape affects its future in the state and beyond.

“El Futuro es Latino,” released this month, takes a close look at the fastest-growing demographic group in the country and explores how policy and opportunities related to education, the environment, the economy, housing and political engagement influence their success, particularly in California, where Latinos now make up about 40% of the population.

“Latinos are key to the future of California’s economy and middle class,” said Soledad Ursúa, the project’s lead author. “While Latinos have played a tremendous role in the state’s ascendancy and have made remarkable progress toward higher-wage employment, they still face serious challenges that hinder their success, including a dysfunctional public education system and a regulatory landscape that limits their job and homeownership opportunities .”

The 55-page report outlines several key takeaways:

*From 2010 to 2020, the Latino population in the United States increased by 23%, totaling 62.1 million individuals, constituting 18.7% of the overall U.S. population. In California, Latinos now represent nearly 40% of the state’s population, indicating rapid expansion and substantial influence.

*Latinos play pivotal roles in California’s economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and construction. However, those industries have been impacted by the state’s stringent environmental regulations, especially within the context of carbon-neutral initiatives, that limit the type of jobs most likely to offer upward mobility for Latinos.

*Homeownership holds deep cultural significance for Latino families, but high costs and environmental regulations in California have made this dream increasingly elusive. The state’s Latino homeownership rate ranks 41st nationwide.

Despite constituting a majority of California’s public school demographic, Latino students lag behind in academic achievement compared to their counterparts. Recent testing data reveals disparities in English language arts and mathematics proficiency, underscoring systemic challenges within the education system.

While Latino voter turnout has significantly increased in recent years, a sizable portion of eligible Latino voters in California abstain from participating in the electoral process, indicating untapped potential for political influence.

Despite facing challenges, Latinos exhibit a remarkable sense of optimism and resilience. The majority express confidence in their ability to attain the American Dream, citing a strong work ethic as a key factor contributing to success.

“Despite making impressive strides, Latinos in California are still shortchanged by policies and an infrastructure that limits their prosperity and contributes to a stark financial disparity,” said Joel Kotkin, director of Chapman’s Center for Demographics and Policy. “These issues affect not only Latinos but also the success and strength of California as a whole.”