WASHINGTON — A stark new warning has emerged from a comprehensive evaluation of living conditions across key states, illustrating how escalating economic pressures and intensifying immigration enforcement are reshaping the daily lives of millions of Americans.
“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,” the warning states.
This critical assessment comes directly from the “National Latino Family Report 2026,” a collaborative research initiative conducted by AP-OD, UnidosUS, and BSP Research, with a primary focus on the states of Texas, California, and New Mexico. Together, these findings capture a challenging reality: Latino families are facing deepening financial hardships while simultaneously navigating the disproportionate impacts of heightened deportation enforcement nationwide.
The report underscores a profound paradox at the heart of the contemporary American economy. Despite driving more than $4 trillion in economic activity through the U.S. workforce in 2025, an overwhelming 78 percent of the Latino community continues to experience living conditions described as “only fair or poor.” These insights are drawn from a comprehensive survey of 1,300 Latino parents and primary caregivers who have young children at home.
When asked about their most pressing legislative and policy priorities for Congress and the president, respondents highlighted a distinct hierarchy of concerns. Immigration reform emerged as the top priority, cited by 42 percent of participants. This was followed closely by jobs and the economy at 38 percent, the broader 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 countless households, these policy priorities reflect immediate, kitchen-table struggles. If everyday essentials like groceries, health insurance, or childcare feel increasingly out of reach, millions of families know they are not alone. Nearly half of all survey respondents—specifically 49 percent—reported that their overall financial situation has worsened over the course of the past year alone.
To bridge the widening gap between stagnant wages and soaring expenses, households have been forced to adopt drastic financial measures. The survey reveals that 40 percent of respondents have had to borrow money from friends or family members to cover basic expenses. Furthermore, 29 percent have relied on credit cards, deepening potential long-term debt; 23 percent have resorted to selling personal belongings; and 21 percent have been forced to draw down their hard-earned savings.
These mounting pressures emphasize the urgent calls from communities and advocacy groups for meaningful action on the broader economy, runaway living costs—including the prohibitive price of childcare—and accessible health care. Across the board, wages simply are not keeping pace with the strenuous work people perform every day.
Beyond economic instability, immigration policy and enforcement represent another layer of profound anxiety for families across the country. The survey details alarming shifts in enforcement dynamics, noting a grim finding regarding mixed-status families and maternal separations. According to the report, mothers of U.S. citizen children have been deported at four times the rate recorded under the administration of President Biden.
The ripple effects of this enforcement strategy are felt widely within communities. Approximately 23 percent of respondents reported that friends or family members had been detained or deported within the past year alone. Furthermore, pervasive fear surrounding ongoing mass deportation plans and the threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has fundamentally altered how families interact with essential public institutions.
This climate of fear has led significant numbers of Latino families with children to avoid ordinary, necessary daily activities. Specifically, 35 percent of respondents stated they have avoided taking their children to school due to fears of enforcement actions. Additionally, 24 percent avoid talking to local police officers, 21 percent have refrained from signing up for public benefits for which they or their children may qualify, and 16 percent avoid visiting doctors or seeking medical care.
In response to these pervasive challenges and the climate of enforcement, a massive consensus has emerged regarding policy direction. The report indicates that 75 percent of respondents now strongly support comprehensive immigration reform, which includes the expansion of protections for Dreamers through programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Despite navigating this complex landscape of economic hardship and social anxiety, Latino communities continue to demonstrate remarkable determination and adaptability. Rather than yielding to uncertainty, families are actively pursuing new pathways toward financial stability and career advancement.
The survey data highlights that 44 percent of respondents are actively seeking better-paying jobs or pursuing career promotions. Additionally, 21 percent are working to establish their own businesses or side enterprises, while 14 percent are investing in career-building education, professional certifications, or specialized trade training.
These proactive efforts underscore the enduring resilience of communities striving to build a secure future amid persistent economic and political headwinds.
