Data also show that the poverty rate for Hispanic children is more than three times that of non-Hispanic white children. In 2000, the labor force participation rate of Hispanic men was 80.4 percent, compared to 74.3 percent for non-Hispanic white men. Hispanic women have steadily increased their presence in the workforce over the past several years, and their labor force participation rate now approaches that of non-Hispanic white women, 56.6 percent and 60.8 percent, respectively. Conversely, Hispanics are less likely to work in high-paying managerial or professional specialty occupations. These jobs are especially likely to offer critical benefits, such as health insurance and pension coverage.
Hispanic families are more likely to be poor than non-Hispanic families.
While the Census report reveals a great deal about the current status of our nation s people, it also begins to tell the story about the future workers and taxpayers of this country. One in eight Americans is Hispanic, and Latino children are among America s most precious resources. If we improve their educational outcomes and overall well-being, we are not only addressing issues important to the Latino community, we are laying a cornerstone of the nation s future economic prosperity. Copyright 2001 by Hispanic Magazine. All Rights Reserved.