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 collaborative study conducted by AP-OD, UnidosUS, and BSP Research. Centered heavily on key states with large Latino populations including Texas, California, and New Mexico, the report captures a sobering and increasingly familiar reality for millions of households across the United States. Latine families are currently facing deepening financial hardships while simultaneously being disproportionately affected by escalating deportation pressures and immigration enforcement actions nationwide.
The findings paint a complex picture of economic contradiction and social strain. Despite driving a staggering contribution of over $4 trillion to the U.S. workforce throughout 2025, an overwhelming 78 percent of the Latine community is currently experiencing living conditions that they describe as “only fair or poor.” To better understand the scope of these pressures, the report surveyed 1,300 Latine parents and primary caregivers who have young children at home. When these parents were asked to identify their most pressing legislative priorities for Congress and the president, immigration reform emerged at the very top of the list at 42 percent. This was followed closely by concerns regarding 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, the day-to-day reality of these statistics translates into difficult household budgeting and mounting stress. If groceries, health insurance, or childcare feel increasingly out of reach, families are far from alone in their struggle. Nearly half of all survey respondents, accounting for 49 percent, reported that their overall financial situation has actively worsened over the past year alone. To cover basic living expenses and bridge the gap between stagnant wages and soaring prices, families are increasingly forced to exhaust safety nets. 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 pay for essentials, 21 percent are actively drawing down their dwindling savings accounts, and 23 percent have resorted to selling personal belongings. These mounting pressures underscore an urgent, widespread call for substantive action on the broader economy, systemic living costs—including the crushing burden of childcare—and accessible health care. Across the board, wages simply are not keeping pace with the strenuous work people perform every single day.
Beyond the persistent economic anxieties, immigration policy and enforcement have become towering sources of distress for Latine families. The survey highlights alarming trends regarding enforcement practices, noting a grim finding that mothers of U.S. citizen children have been deported at four times the rate recorded under the administration of President Biden. Furthermore, about 23 percent of respondents reported that friends or family members had been personally detained or deported within the past year alone. The pervasive fear surrounding President Trump’s ongoing mass deportation plans and aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has triggered profound behavioral changes among families with children. Out of fear and a desire to protect their households, Latine families are increasingly avoiding essential daily activities. Specifically, 35 percent of respondents reported keeping their children home from school, 24 percent avoid speaking or interacting with local police, 21 percent refrain from signing up for public benefits and assistance programs to which they may be entitled, and 16 percent avoid visiting doctors or seeking necessary medical care. Consequently, 75 percent of survey respondents now express firm support for comprehensive immigration reform, including expanded protections for Dreamers through DACA.
Despite navigating these compounding challenges, Latines continue to demonstrate remarkable determination and are actively finding viable paths forward. Rather than succumbing entirely to economic and social pressures, communities are investing in their own advancement. The report shows that 44 percent of respondents are actively seeking better-paying jobs or pursuing career promotions, 21 percent are taking the initiative to start a business or a side business to supplement their household income, and 14 percent are pursuing career-building education, professional certifications, or specialized trade training. These proactive efforts underscore the enduring resilience of Latine communities as they navigate an uncertain future, balancing the immediate demands of economic survival with long-term investments in their families’ prosperity.
