Latine Families Face Mounting Financial Hardship and Deportation Fears
As costs rise, a new report says Latine families face financial hardships that are increasingly difficult to recover from
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“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 warning comes from AP-OD, UnidosUS, and BSP Research’s “National Latino Family Report 2026,” based in Texas, California, and New Mexico. It captures a familiar reality: Latine families face deepening financial hardships while being disproportionately affected by deportations nationwide.
Despite driving over $4 trillion in the U.S. workforce in 2025, 78 percent of the Latine community is experiencing “only fair or poor” living conditions. The report surveyed 1,300 Latine parents and primary caregivers with young children. Their top priorities for Congress and the president are immigration reform (42 percent), jobs and the economy (38 percent), cost of living/inflation (37 percent), housing affordability (25 percent), health care (20 percent), and border security (15 percent).
If groceries, health insurance, or childcare feel too expensive, you’re not alone. Nearly half of respondents (49 percent) said their finances worsened over the past year. To cover expenses, 40 percent borrowed from friends or family, 29 percent used credit cards, 21 percent are drawing down savings, and 23 percent are selling belongings. These pressures underscore calls for action on the economy, living costs—including childcare—and health care. Wages are not keeping pace with the work people do.
Immigration is another pressing concern. The survey reports that mothers of U.S. citizens have been deported at four times the rate seen under President Biden. About 23 percent of respondents said friends or family had been detained or deported in the past year. Fear of President Trump’s ongoing mass deportation plans and ICE raids has led Latine families with children to avoid taking their kids to school (35 percent), talking to police (24 percent), signing up for public benefits (21 percent), and visiting doctors (16 percent). As a result, 75 percent now support immigration reform, including expanded DACA protections.
Despite these challenges, Latines are finding paths forward: 44 percent are seeking better-paying jobs or promotions, 21 percent are starting a business or side business, and 14 percent are pursuing career-building education, certifications, or trade training. These efforts underscore our communities’ resilience amid an uncertain future.
Immigration reform is another key concern. One grim finding: The survey reports that mothers of U.S. citizens have been deported at four times the rate seen under President Biden. About 23 percent of respondents said friends or family members had been detained or deported in the past year. Fear surrounding President Trump’s ongoing mass deportation plans has also led Latine families with children to avoid taking their kids to school for fear of ICE raids (35 percent), talking to police (24 percent), signing up for public benefits (21 percent), and visiting doctors (16 percent). As a result, 75% of respondents now support immigration reform, including expanded protections for DACA recipients.
Despite these challenges, Latines are finding new paths forward. The report shows that 44% are seeking better-paying jobs or promotions, 21% are starting a business or side business, and 14% are pursuing career-building education, certifications, or trade training. These efforts underscore our communities’ resilience amid an uncertain future.
