Hispanic Resource Center

First generation Hispanics most optimistic about their future

New research from the Pew Research Center suggests an adult Latino in the U.S. is probably employed, probably religious, probably getting by without much money or education and probably—optimistic.

Hispanics in general and Hispanic immigrants in particular are more inclined than blacks or whites to take an upbeat view of things. More than four of 10 (44%) Hispanic adults say today’s Hispanic children in this country will grow up to be better off than Hispanics are now. By contrast just 33% of both whites and blacks hold this view.

Hispanics’ optimism is remarkable considering they earn, on average, only about two-thirds the weekly pay of non-Hispanics and have less education than non-Hispanics. Latinos’ optimism about the future is inversely related to the length of time they or their families have been in this country. More than three-quarters believe their children will end up with a better education and better paying jobs. This exuberance, however, falls off among second- and third-generation Hispanics (Source: Pew Research Center).

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