Latinas in the United States: Contributions, Accomplishments, and Struggles

Overview

During Women’s History Month, it is essential to acknowledge the significant contributions, accomplishments, and struggles of Latinas in the United States. With over 31 million Latinas in the country, they are a vital part of the nation’s demographic landscape.

Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 22% of Latinas aged 25 and older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 17% of Hispanic men. The number of Latinas obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree has increased by 103% from 2010 to 2021, compared to 38.3% for non-Latinas. Sixty percent of Latinas are 25 or older, and 32% were foreign-born.

Economics, Labor Force Participation, and Latinas

Latinas are significant contributors to large-scale economic gains and prosperity. However, in their daily lives, they often face challenges. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, if current trends persist, it will take Latinas 182 years to reach pay equity with white men.

Despite these challenges, the economic contributions of Latinas are remarkable. The inaugural U.S. Latina GDP Report reveals that Latina GDP outpaced the economies of all U.S. states except California, Texas, and New York. Specifically, the total economic output of Latinas in 2022 reached $1.3 trillion. From 2010 to 2021, Latina GDP grew by 51.1%, a growth rate 2.7 times faster than non-Latino GDP.

Latinas in the Labor Force

Since 2000, the number of Latinas in the labor force has steadily increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in just ten years, 2018 to 2028, the percentage of Latinas in the workforce is projected to increase by about 23%. According to researchers at UCLA and California Lutheran University, between 2000 and 2020, Latinas increased their labor force participation rate by nearly eight percentage points, while the rate for non-Latina women remained flat. From 2010 to 2021, the number of Latinas in the labor force grew by approximately 33%, compared to 3% for non-Latina women.

Challenges and Solutions

While Latinas drive growth in the labor force, many earn low wages and struggle in other ways. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are more likely than men to work in service jobs, including those in hospitality, personal care, customer service, cleaning, education, and healthcare. In 2024, 31% of Latinas were in service occupations compared to 20% of all employed women. Latinas in these positions had median weekly earnings of $613, the lowest among racial and ethnic groups.

A Few Policy Actions to Support Latinas

To benefit Latinas and all women in the labor force, some possible policy actions include:

• Facilitating greater access to capital to start and grow businesses
• Strengthening legislation focused on reducing the wage gap, especially the gender wage gap
• Enhancing access to free or at least more affordable training programs designed to facilitate and support advancement in the workplace

Conclusion

As the U.S. celebrates women’s accomplishments and recognizes their struggles, it is essential to elevate the stories of Latinas to a more prominent place in our nation’s narrative. By acknowledging their contributions, accomplishments, and challenges, we can work towards a more equitable society where all women, including Latinas, can thrive.

FAQs

• What is the current demographic makeup of Latinas in the United States?
  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 22% of Latinas aged 25 and older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 17% of Hispanic men.
• What is the economic contribution of Latinas to the U.S. economy?
  • The total economic output of Latinas in 2022 reached $1.3 trillion, and from 2010 to 2021, Latina GDP grew by 51.1%, a growth rate 2.7 times faster than non-Latino GDP.
• How have Latinas contributed to the growth of the U.S. labor force?
  • Since 2000, the number of Latinas in the labor force has steadily increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in just ten years, 2018 to 2028, the percentage of Latinas in the workforce is projected to increase by about 23%.

On March 27, 2025, Florida will honor America’s most recognizable World War II fighter squadron with its very own state holiday: Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. This decision comes at a time when federal government websites are being scrubbed of historical content, including information about the Tuskegee Airmen.

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black pilots in the U.S. military, trained at Tuskegee, Alabama. Comprising 15,000 men and women, approximately 1,000 were pilots who served in combat for the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII. Their successes led to the U.S. Air Force being the first integrated service branch of the government, a process initiated even before President Truman signed Executive Order 9981 in 1948, desegregating the military.

The House Bill Language Is an Admirable Tribute

The language in the bill honoring the Tuskegee Airmen is an admirable tribute to their service. The description of the Airmen and their service honors them as they deserve, highlighting their achievements and sacrifices.

Could Tuskegee Airman Day Be the Next Federal Holiday?

The question remains: could Tuskegee Airman Day become the next federal holiday? To achieve this, a proposed federal holiday would need to be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, pass both chambers with a majority vote, and be signed into law by the president. While some states have yet to make Tuskegee Airmen Day an official holiday, others have aligned to create a collective tribute to the Airmen, including Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Conclusion

As the country continues to grapple with its complex history, the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and perseverance. With Florida’s designation of Tuskegee Airman Day, the country may be one step closer to recognizing the Airmen’s contributions with a federal holiday. As the Airmen’s story continues to inspire, their legacy will undoubtedly unify the nation, even 80 years after their historic efforts in World War II.

FAQs

• What is Tuskegee Airman Day?
  Tuskegee Airman Day is a state holiday designated to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black pilots in the U.S. military, who served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
• Why is it important to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen?
  The Tuskegee Airmen played a significant role in the outcome of World War II, and their achievements led to the integration of the U.S. Air Force, making it the first integrated service branch of the government.
• How many states have designated Tuskegee Airman Day as a state holiday?
  As of now, Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have designated Tuskegee Airman Day as a state holiday. Other states, such as Connecticut, have bills in progress to recognize the Airmen.
• What is the process for making Tuskegee Airman Day a federal holiday?
  A proposed federal holiday would need to be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, pass both chambers with a majority vote, and be signed into law by the president.

Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working

The UK Government has unveiled its long-awaited proposals to cut disability welfare spending, which is forecast to reach £75.7 billion by 2030, up from £48.5 billion in 2023. The proposals aim to reduce this sharp rise by £5 billion.

Cut Out

The government plans to tighten the criteria for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payments, which focuses on activities like washing and dressing independently. From November 2026, it will be harder to qualify for financial assistance based on these activities as the scoring system used to determine eligibility will become more stringent.

Targeting The Vulnerable

The reforms also include plans to freeze the health or disability components of Universal Credit until 2029/30 and virtually halve them for new claimants. Those with potentially serious and life-limiting disabilities who are under 22 will no longer receive any top-up payments related to ill health but will instead be more vigorously directed towards employment support and training opportunities.

Reform Proposals

Additionally, the government plans to:

• Abolish the separate Work Capability Assessment by 2028 and merge it into the assessment for Personal Independence Payments, creating a single, streamlined, and holistic health assessment based on activities of daily life.
• Roll out a "right to try" scheme, allowing benefit claimants to try out employment without fear of having to reapply for benefits if things don’t work out.

Disability Community’s Reaction

The Disability Benefits Consortium, a coalition of over 100 charities, has labelled the cuts as "immoral" and "devastating." James Taylor, Executive Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said, "The biggest cuts to disability benefits on record should shame the government to its core. They are choosing to penalize some of the poorest people in our society. Almost half of families in poverty include someone who is disabled."

Conclusion

The government’s proposals have been met with a strong outcry from disability charities and representative groups, who argue that the cuts are "immoral" and "devastating." While the government claims that the reforms are designed to support people with disabilities into work, many are concerned that the cuts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.

FAQs

• What is the proposed change to Personal Independence Payments?
  • The government plans to tighten the criteria for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payments, making it harder to qualify for financial assistance.
• What is the plan for Universal Credit?
  • The government plans to freeze the health or disability components of Universal Credit until 2029/30 and virtually halve them for new claimants.
• What is the "right to try" scheme?
  • The scheme allows benefit claimants to try out employment without fear of having to reapply for benefits if things don’t work out.
• What is the reaction of disability charities?
  • The Disability Benefits Consortium has labelled the cuts as "immoral" and "devastating," with many charities expressing concern that the reforms will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.