Impact of Recession on the Latino Community in the United States

Effects of recession for the Latino community in the United States

The recession has had a negative impact on the Latino community in the United States, which has been affected by:

Unemployment: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Latinos went from 4.8% in February 2020 to 18.9% in April of the same year, being the ethnic group most affected by job loss. Although the rate has decreased to 7.9% in October 2020, it remains higher than the national average of 6.9%.

Education: According to the Pew Research Center, 59% of Latinos over 25 years old do not have a university degree, which limits their job and salary opportunities. Additionally, 25% of Latinos between 18 and 24 years old are neither enrolled nor working in any educational or work institution.

Health: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinos have a higher probability of suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity, which increase the risk of COVID-19 complications. Additionally, 19% of Latinos do not have health insurance, which makes it difficult to access preventive and curative health services.

Housing: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 47% of Latinos live in rental housing, which makes them more vulnerable to evictions or rent increases. Additionally, 21% of Latinos live in overcrowded conditions or extreme poverty, which affects their quality of life and mental health.

Poverty: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18% of Latinos live below the poverty threshold, which means they do not have sufficient income to cover their basic needs. Additionally, 12% of Latinos live in food insecurity, which means they do not have access to sufficient or nutritious food.

Discrimination: According to the Pew Research Center, 76% of Latinos say they have suffered discrimination or been treated unfairly because of their ethnic or racial origin. This manifests itself in acts of racism, xenophobia, police violence, deportations and migration restrictions that affect their civil and human rights.

Causes of recession

Recession has multiple causes that can be internal or external to the country. Some of the internal causes are:

The bursting of the real estate bubble in 2008, which caused a fall in home values and a financial crisis that affected banks, businesses and consumers.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which forced business closures, reduced mobility and increased public spending to address the health and social emergency.

Political and social polarization, which has generated division, violence and discrimination between different ethnic, religious and cultural groups.

Some of the external causes are:

Economic globalization, which has increased competition and dependence on other countries and markets.

The trade war between the United States and China, which has generated uncertainty, tariffs and sanctions that affect international trade.

Climate change, which has caused extreme natural phenomena such as droughts, floods, fires and hurricanes that damage infrastructure and agriculture.

Adaptation and resistance strategies

Faced with this discouraging scenario, the Latino community in the United States has demonstrated its capacity for adaptation and resistance to face the challenges of recession with creativity, solidarity and organization. Some of the strategies they have followed are:

Seeking new employment opportunities: Many Latinos have chosen to change sectors, start their own businesses or train in new skills to improve their working and salary conditions. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Latinos represent 20% of business owners in the United States and generate more than 500 billion dollars per year.

Relying on family and community: Many Latinos have turned to their family and community networks to share resources, care for children and elderly, provide emotional support and keep their traditions and cultural values alive. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of Latinos say that family is the most important thing in their lives and 65% say they feel proud of their Latino identity.

Participating in political and social life: Many Latinos have raised their voices to demand their rights and seek justice for the injustices and discrimination they suffer. According to the Pew Research Center, 32% of eligible Latinos voted in the 2020 presidential elections, a historic record that influenced the final outcome. Additionally, 23% of Latinos say they have participated in protests or social demonstrations in recent years.

Benefits of hiring a Latino lawyer from Conexión Legal

As you have seen, the recession has seriously affected the Latino community in the United States, but it has also awakened its spirit of struggle and overcoming. However, often willpower and personal effort are not enough to face the legal difficulties that arise in case of accident, work or immigration. That is why it is important to have the support and advice of a Latino lawyer from Conexión Legal, a network of lawyers with free consultation that offers you the following benefits:

It provides you with personalized attention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of your immigration status.

He speaks to you in Spanish and understands your situation and needs as a Latino better than anyone.

He defends you with professionalism and experience before judicial or administrative authorities.

He helps you obtain fair economic compensation for your physical, emotional or material damages.

He charges you only if he wins your case, with no advance payments or surprises.

Do not hesitate any longer and contact Conexión Legal today to receive a free and confidential consultation about your case. Follow the steps in the following form to schedule your free advisory appointment.