The inability to keep up with the sharp rise in living costs is forcing far too many Latino parents to make difficult decisions that may have long-term, compounding consequences for their families and communities across the United States. This stark warning comes directly from the newly released "National Latino Family Report 2026," a comprehensive collaborative study conducted by AP-OD, UnidosUS, and BSP Research. Focusing primarily on key states with large Hispanic populations—including Texas, California, and New Mexico—the report captures a familiar yet worsening reality. Latine families across the nation are currently facing deepening financial hardships while simultaneously being disproportionately affected by aggressive immigration enforcement and a sharp rise in deportations.

Despite being a powerful economic engine that drove more than $4 trillion into the U.S. workforce throughout 2025, an overwhelming 78 percent of the Latine community reports experiencing living conditions that they describe as "only fair or poor." These findings emerge from a detailed survey of 1,300 Latine parents and primary caregivers who are currently raising young children. When asked to look ahead and define their most urgent legislative and political priorities for Congress and the president, respondents pointed to several critical areas. Immigration reform emerged as the top priority for 42 percent of those surveyed, closely followed by jobs and the overall economy at 38 percent, the surging cost of living and inflation at 37 percent, housing affordability at 25 percent, health care access at 20 percent, and border security at 15 percent.

For millions of households, the daily struggle to make ends meet has become an exhausting reality. If basic necessities such as groceries, health insurance, or reliable childcare feel increasingly out of reach, families are realizing they are certainly not alone in this economic squeeze. Nearly half of all respondents, precisely 49 percent, reported that their overall financial situation had actively worsened over the course of the past year alone. To cope with these escalating pressures and cover basic monthly expenses, families have had to resort to desperate financial measures. The survey reveals that 40 percent of respondents have had to borrow money from friends or family members, 29 percent have relied on credit cards to bridge the gap, 21 percent are actively drawing down their dwindling savings accounts, and 23 percent have resorted to selling their personal belongings. These widespread financial pressures underscore urgent and ongoing calls for federal action regarding the broader economy, the soaring cost of living—with particular emphasis on the prohibitive cost of childcare—and comprehensive health care reform. Across the board, wages simply are not keeping pace with the demanding work that people perform every single day.

Beyond the immediate economic strain, immigration policy and enforcement represent another layer of deeply felt fear and pressing concern within the community. The report highlights alarming trends regarding enforcement practices, noting that mothers of U.S. citizens have been targeted and deported at four times the rate recorded under the Biden administration. Furthermore, about 23 percent of survey respondents reported that friends or family members had been directly detained or deported within the past year alone. The pervasive fear surrounding President Trump’s ongoing mass deportation plans and the visible threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has profoundly altered daily life for Latine families with children. Out of fear and a desire to protect their households, many have altered their daily routines and avoided essential public spaces and services. Specifically, 35 percent of families have avoided taking their children to school, 24 percent have avoided contacting or talking to local police, 21 percent have refrained from signing up for public benefits and assistance programs to which they may be entitled, and 16 percent have avoided visiting doctors or seeking necessary medical care. Consequently, an overwhelming 75 percent of respondents now express strong support for comprehensive immigration reform, which includes expanded protections for Dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Despite these compounding economic and social challenges, Latines across the country continue to demonstrate remarkable determination in finding sustainable paths forward for themselves and their families. Rather than succumbing to discouragement, the report shows that 44 percent of respondents are actively seeking better-paying employment opportunities or pushing for career promotions. Additionally, 21 percent are taking the initiative to start a new business or launch a side venture to supplement their household income, while 14 percent are pursuing career-building education, professional certifications, or specialized trade training. These proactive efforts powerfully underscore the deep-seated resilience of these communities as they navigate an uncertain future.