The inability to keep up with the sharp rise in costs is forcing far too many Latino parents to make difficult decisions that may have long-term consequences for their families. This stark warning comes directly from the newly released "National Latino Family Report 2026," a comprehensive study conducted by AP-OD, UnidosUS, and BSP Research, with a particular focus on key states including Texas, California, and New Mexico. The findings capture a familiar and increasingly urgent reality: across the nation, Latine families are facing deepening financial hardships while simultaneously being disproportionately affected by a shifting enforcement landscape and rising deportation pressures.
Despite serving as a powerful economic engine that drove over $4 trillion in economic activity within the U.S. workforce in 2025, a staggering 78 percent of the Latine community report experiencing living conditions that they describe as "only fair or poor." These insights were gathered from a broad survey of 1,300 Latine parents and primary caregivers who currently have young children in their households. When asked to evaluate their primary concerns and outline what they want to see from Congress and the president, respondents highlighted a clear set of legislative and economic priorities. Immigration reform emerged as the top concern, cited by 42 percent of participants, closely followed by jobs and the economy at 38 percent, the rising 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, these figures translate into daily economic stress. If everyday essentials like groceries, health insurance, or reliable childcare feel increasingly out of reach, families are far from alone in their struggle. Nearly half of all survey respondents—specifically 49 percent—reported that their overall financial situation has actually worsened over the course of the past year alone. To cover basic household expenses, manage emergencies, and keep up with bills, families have been forced to tap into alternative financial measures. The report reveals that 40 percent of respondents had to borrow money from friends or family members, 29 percent relied on credit cards to bridge the gap, 21 percent were forced to draw down what remained of their personal savings, and 23 percent resorted to selling their personal belongings.
These mounting economic pressures underscore widespread calls for immediate, tangible action on the broader economy, soaring living costs—including the heavy burden of childcare—and accessible health care. Underlying much of this distress is the persistent feeling that wages simply are not keeping pace with the hard work and productivity that community members contribute every single day. The gap between labor and compensation continues to stretch household budgets to their absolute limits, leaving parents with fewer safety nets when unexpected expenses arise.
Beyond the immediate economic strain, immigration policy and enforcement represent another deeply pressing concern for Latine households across the country. The survey highlights alarming findings regarding enforcement trends, noting in particular that mothers who are parents of U.S. citizens have been subjected to deportation at four times the rate recorded under the previous administration led by President Biden. Furthermore, about 23 percent of respondents reported that friends, neighbors, or family members had been either detained or formally deported within the past year alone.
The fear surrounding President Trump’s ongoing mass deportation plans and the perceived threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has created a chilling effect within communities. This climate of anxiety has led significant numbers of Latine families with children to alter their daily routines out of caution. According to the report, 35 percent of families have avoided taking their children to school, 24 percent have hesitated to speak with or report incidents to the police, 21 percent have chosen not to sign up for public benefits or assistance programs for which they may be eligible, and 16 percent have avoided visiting doctors or seeking necessary medical care. As a direct consequence of these mounting fears and systemic pressures, roughly 75 percent of respondents now express firm support for comprehensive immigration reform, which includes expanded protections for Dreamers through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Yet, even in the face of these formidable economic and social challenges, members of the Latine community continue to demonstrate remarkable determination and resourcefulness in finding new paths forward. Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, individuals are actively pursuing upward mobility through various avenues. The report shows that 44 percent of respondents are actively seeking better-paying employment opportunities or pushing for career promotions, 21 percent are working to establish their own businesses or side enterprises, and 14 percent are investing their time and energy into career-building education, professional certifications, or specialized trade training. These collective efforts stand as a powerful testament to the resilience of communities navigating an unpredictable and evolving future.
