Hispanic and Latino Americans

Hispanic and Latino Americans are people in the United States who have a background, culture, or family origin from Hispanic or Latino groups. This group includes anyone who identifies as Hispanic or Latino, no matter what their race is. As of July 1, 2024, about 68 million people in the U.S. identified as Hispanic or Latino, making up around 20% of the country's population. They are the second-largest group in the United States after non-Hispanic White people.

People can be considered Hispanic or Latino based on their ancestry, nationality, or where their family comes from before coming to the United States. This group includes many different races because, like in Latin American countries, people can have mixed European, Indigenous, African, or other heritages. For example, some have mixed European and Indigenous ancestry and are called mestizos. Others may have Indigenous, African, or European roots.

Hispanic and Latino Americans share some common elements, especially the use of the Spanish language, even though they come from many different countries. The largest groups come from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Even though many people in these communities use the terms Hispanic and Latino, people from Brazil are not officially included in these groups. The history of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. goes back a long time, especially in areas that were once part of Spain’s empire, like the American Southwest, the West Coast, and Florida.

Terminology

Further information: Hispanic and Latino (ethnic categories)

The words Hispanic and Latino describe a shared background or culture, not a specific race. The word Hispanic became commonly used in the United States after 1977 when government offices created this category for people whose families came from countries where Spanish is spoken.

People who are Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Many feel that being Hispanic is part of both their race and culture. Most Hispanic Americans don’t think you need to speak Spanish to be considered Hispanic or Latino. Both terms are used to describe people whose families come from Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. Some people prefer one term over the other depending on where they live. In recent years, some have started using new terms like Latinx or Latine to be more inclusive, though these are not widely used yet.

History

Main article: History of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States

See also: Hispanic Heritage Sites

16th and 17th centuries

Early explorers helped shape the land we now call the United States. In 1513, Juan Ponce de León became the first European to land in what is now the United States, naming the area La Florida. Over the next few decades, Spanish explorers reached far into the country, including the Appalachian Mountains, the Mississippi River, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Plains. They sailed along both the Atlantic Coast and the Pacific Coast, reaching as far north as Bangor, Maine and as far west as Oregon.

In 1565, the Spanish built the first lasting European town in the United States at St. Augustine, Florida. They later created other important towns in places that are today Santa Fe, New Mexico, El Paso, San Antonio, Tucson, Albuquerque, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

18th and 19th centuries

See also: Battle of the Alamo, Mexican Cession, Gadsden Purchase, and Treaty of Paris (1898)

By the late 1700s, Spain still owned about half of what is now the United States. In the years after 1819, the United States grew much larger, taking in areas such as California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Many Latino families lived there and became U.S. citizens, though they often struggled to keep their land and traditions.

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought many new people, including many from Hispanic backgrounds, who helped build the growing state.

20th and 21st centuries

In the 1900s and today, many more Hispanic families moved to the United States, especially after changes in immigration rules in 1965. During World War I and II, Hispanic Americans helped keep factories running and farms working when many others were away at war.

Hispanic and Latino Americans worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly, joining bigger movements for civil rights. Groups like the League of United Latin American Citizens and the United Farm Workers stood up for fair treatment and better lives for all.

To honor the many ways Hispanic Americans have helped shape the United States, a special week was created in 1968 and later grew into a whole month celebrated each year: National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic and Latino Americans have also served in government and helped make important decisions for the country. They continue to play a big role in America today, sharing their traditions, languages, and history with everyone.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Hispanic and Latino Americans

See also: Demographics of the United States and List of U.S. states by Hispanic and Latino population

Hispanic people in the United States have been counted in different ways before the census started asking about ethnicity. In 1930, people of Mexican background were counted separately. From 1940 to 1970, people were asked about their Spanish mother tongue.

By 2020, about 19–20% of people in the U.S. were Hispanic, which means about 62–65 million people. The U.S. Census Bureau thinks they missed counting about 3.3 million Hispanic people. From 2000 to 2007, the Hispanic population grew by 28.7%, which is four times faster than the whole U.S. population. By 2050, the Hispanic population is expected to be about 132.8 million, or 30.2% of all people in the U.S.

Geographic distribution

See also: List of U.S. cities with large Hispanic populations

• Hispanic and Latino American population distribution over time

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

US Metropolitan Statistical Areas with over 1 million Hispanics (2014)

States and territories with the highest proportion of Hispanics (2021)

In 2022, New York City and Washington, D.C. saw many new Latino residents moving from Texas. Most of these people came from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and Honduras.

Most Hispanic people live in the Southwest part of the U.S., especially in California and Texas. In the Northeast, many people are from Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In Florida, many are from Cuba and Puerto Rico. In the Great Lakes states and South Atlantic states, many are from Mexico or Puerto Rico. Mexico is the most common background in most other areas.

National origin

As of 2024, most Hispanic people in the U.S. are of Mexican origin, with nearly 39 million people. The next largest groups are from Puerto Rico with over 6 million, followed by people from Cuba, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala with more than 2 million each. There are also big groups from Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela, and Ecuador with more than 1 million each. In 2017, two-thirds of Hispanic people were born in the United States.

Race and ethnicity

See also: Race and ethnicity in Latin America, Race and ethnicity in the United States, and Race and ethnicity in the United States census

Hispanic people come from many different racial backgrounds. They share a common language (Spanish) and culture, but they can be of any race. In the 2020 census, only 20.3% of Hispanic people identified as "White", down from 53.0% in 2010. Over 42% of Hispanic people chose "some other race", and over half identified as having "two or more races".

Age

As of 2014, about one-third of Hispanic people in the U.S. were younger than 18, and a quarter were Millennials. This means more than half of the Hispanic population in the United States was under the age of 35.

Education

See also: Hispanic-serving institution

With more Hispanic people living in the United States, they have a big effect on schools from kindergarten to high school. In 2011–12, Hispanics made up 24% of all students in the U.S., with even higher numbers in states like California and Texas.

Hispanic students have some good points. They are more likely to attend full-day kindergarten programs. They are also well represented in gifted and talented classes. Their scores in math and reading have been getting better each year. Plus, they are more likely than other groups to go to college.

But there are still challenges. Hispanic students often have lower scores in math and reading compared to others. They also have one of the highest dropout rates, though it is getting better. Some reasons for these challenges include language barriers, poverty, and where families come from.

Currently, most students learning English as a second language are Hispanic. Schools have special programs to help these students, but it can be extra work for them. These programs often focus only on English, which some feel takes away from learning the student's first language.

Since a big court decision in 1982, all immigrants, including Hispanics, have the right to go to public school from kindergarten to 12th grade. How well they do in school can depend on when they came to the U.S. and their education before arriving. First- and second-generation Hispanics often do better than those who came later.

Some people learn two languages at the same time. This is common for many Hispanic children who grow up speaking another language at home and learn English at school.

Hispanics are a large part of students at top universities. For example, they make up a good share of students at Yale University, Columbia University, and Harvard University. Many Hispanic students also go to schools like University of Texas at El Paso and Florida International University.

Some colleges are called "Hispanic-serving institutions" because more than 25% of their students are Hispanic. There are over 270 of these schools across the country.

Health

As of 2016, Hispanic Americans lived longer on average than White Americans. Research suggests this might be because of healthy habits they bring from their home countries and strong family ties.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Hispanic and Black communities saw more cases than other groups.

Economic outlook

Median income

In 2017, the US census reported that the average income for Hispanic American families was $50,486. This was the third year in a row that this income number went up.

Poverty

The US census found that in 2017, about 18.3 percent of Hispanic Americans lived in poverty. This was a small improvement from 19.4 percent in 2016. During this time, about 10.8 million Hispanic people were living in poverty. For comparison, in 2017, about 8.7 percent of non-Hispanic White Americans lived in poverty, along with 10 percent of Asian Americans, and 21.2 percent of African Americans.

Poverty can affect many students, especially those from minority groups. Often, these students live in areas with fewer resources, which can make it harder for them to succeed in school. For Hispanic children, the poverty rate was especially high in 2004 at 28.6 percent. Many Hispanic families rely on community services to help overcome these challenges.

Cultural matters

Main articles: American culture and Hispanic culture

See also: National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations

The different backgrounds of Hispanic Americans mean that their cultures can vary a lot. People from nearby countries often share more cultural traits than those from distant countries. But there are also common features that connect many Hispanic communities.

Language

See also: Spanish language in the United States and Languages of the United States

Spanish

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The Constitution of California was written in both Spanish (left) and English (right) in 1849.

Spanish is a key part of Hispanic culture and identity. Many Hispanic families teach their children Spanish, valuing it for keeping family ties strong and for helping in jobs and careers. A survey in 2013 found that 95% of Hispanic adults think it’s important for future generations to speak Spanish. Because the U.S. is close to Spanish-speaking countries, many Americans learn Spanish. Most second-generation Hispanics speak Spanish well, and many third-generation Hispanics do too. Spanish is also one of the most popular languages taught in schools.

Hispanics have helped keep Spanish alive in the United States, where it has been spoken since the 16th century. By 2006, 90% of Hispanics spoke English, and about 78% spoke Spanish well. About 2.8 million non-Hispanic Americans also speak Spanish at home, making a total of about 41.1 million Spanish speakers.

With many Hispanic immigrants and their descendants in the U.S., most Hispanics over five years old can speak both English and Spanish at home. Some speak only English, while others speak only Spanish.

American Spanish dialects

See also: Isleño Spanish, New Mexican Spanish, and Spanish language in California

The Spanish spoken in the U.S. changes based on where people come from. In the Southwest, it’s often Mexican Spanish or Chicano Spanish. In New Mexico and Colorado, there’s a special type called Traditional New Mexican Spanish. On the East Coast, Caribbean Spanish is common, influenced by Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Isleño Spanish is spoken in Louisiana, and comes from Canary Island Spanish. Elsewhere, Mexican Spanish is usually spoken.

People who grew up speaking Spanish at home often speak it very well but might not know all the grammar rules. Those who learn Spanish later often speak with an English accent.

Spanglish and English dialects

Main articles: Chicano English, Spanglish, Miami § Dialect, and New York Latino English

See also: List of English words of Spanish origin

Hispanics have added many Spanish words to English. Younger Hispanics often mix Spanish and English in their speech, called Spanglish. This happens a lot in cities with many Hispanics, like Miami, San Antonio, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Hispanics have also shaped how English is spoken in places like Miami, where the Miami dialect is common. In the Southwest, Chicano English is spoken by many, and in New York, New York Latino English is used. When speaking English, Hispanics sometimes add Spanish words like tú sabes or este to show their identity.

Religion

A study in 2019 found that most Hispanic Americans are Christians (72%). As of 2018–19, 47% are Catholic, 24% are Protestant, 1% are Mormon, less than 1% are Orthodox Christian, 3% follow other religions, and 23% don’t follow any specific religion. The number of Catholics among Hispanics has gone down since 2009, while those with no religion has gone up. Most Hispanic Protestants are evangelical, and they often go to church more and pray daily compared to Catholics. By 2014, many Hispanic Protestants and Catholics described themselves as Pentecostal or charismatic Christians.

Catholicism is more common among recent Hispanic immigrants, but later generations often become Protestant or unaffiliated. Hispanic Catholics are working to keep young people involved in the church.

Hispanics make up almost 40% of Catholics in the United States, but there aren’t as many Hispanic priests as there are Catholic Hispanics. In 2019, José Horacio Gómez, a Mexican-born American, became president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Media

See also: Latino literature

The U.S. has many Spanish-language media outlets, from big TV networks and magazines to small radio stations. These media help Hispanics feel connected to their roots and to each other. The first major Hispanic-owned film studio in the U.S. is in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hispanics are more likely to use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram than non-Hispanics.

Radio

Spanish-language radio is a big part of broadcasting in the U.S. It grew a lot from the 1920s to the 1970s, especially in Texas and the Southwest. Spanish radio talks about important issues like immigration and citizenship.

Networks

Well-known Hispanic media outlets include:

• CNN en Español, a Spanish-language news network in Atlanta, Georgia;
• ESPN Deportes and Fox Deportes, Spanish-language sports networks.
• Telemundo, a major Spanish-language TV network with stations everywhere in the U.S.
  • TeleXitos, a digital network owned by NBCUniversal.
  • Universo, a cable network for U.S.-born Hispanics.
• Univisión, the largest Spanish-language TV network in the U.S.
  • UniMás, a free-to-air TV network owned by TelevisaUnivision.
  • Fusion TV, an English channel for Hispanics with news and satire.
  • Galavisión, a general entertainment channel.
• Estrella TV, a Spanish-language broadcast network.
• V-me, a Spanish-language TV network.
  • Primo TV, an English cable channel for Hispanic kids.
• Azteca América, a Spanish-language TV network.
• Fuse, a music channel that merged with NuvoTV in 2015.
  • FM, a music channel after the merger.
• 3ABN Latino, a Spanish-language Christian network in West Frankfort, Illinois.
• TBN Enlace USA, a Spanish-language Christian network in Tustin, California.

Print

• La Opinión, a Spanish-language newspaper in Los Angeles, California.
• El Nuevo Herald and Diario Las Américas, newspapers in Miami, Florida.
• El Tiempo Latino, a weekly newspaper in Washington, D.C.
• Latina, a magazine for Hispanic women.
• People en Español, a Spanish version of People magazine.
• Vida Latina, an entertainment magazine in the Southern U.S.

Sports

Main article: Hispanic and Latino athletes in American sports

Soccer is popular among Hispanics from outside the Caribbean, especially immigrants, and has helped grow the sport’s popularity in the U.S. Baseball is common among Caribbean Hispanics and is a big part of MLB’s fans and players.

Other popular sports include boxing, gridiron football, and basketball.

Music

Different Hispanic cultures have many kinds of music. Reggaeton and hip hop are very popular with Hispanic youth. Recently, Latin trap, trap corridos, and Dominican dembow have become popular too.

Cuisine

See also: Cuisine of California, Cuisine of New Mexico, Cuisine of Florida, and Texan cuisine

Hispanic food, especially Mexican food, has shaped American cooking. Tortillas and salsa are now as common as hamburger buns and ketchup. Tortilla chips have become more popular than potato chips, and plantain chips from Caribbean cuisines are growing in sales. Avocados, called “America’s new favorite fruit,” are especially popular among Hispanic Americans.

Mexican food in the Southwest is often considered some of the best in the U.S. In Miami, Cuban food is common, with treats like cortaditos, pastelitos de guayaba, and empanadas. Miami’s coffee culture is influenced by Cuba, with café con leche and cortaditos popular. The Cuban sandwich is a famous part of Miami’s food scene.

Familial situations

Family life and values

Hispanic culture puts a lot of importance on family. Families are often large and close, sometimes with three or even four generations living together or nearby. Grandparents are very important in raising children.

Hispanics are focused on family happiness, and big events like baptisms, birthdays, first Holy Communions, quinceañeras, Confirmations, graduations, and weddings are times for family celebrations.

Education is very important to Hispanic families, seen as a way to succeed in the U.S. A 2010 study found that Hispanics value education more than the average American. Many Hispanic youth stay at home longer to study and look for better jobs.

Intermarriage

Hispanic Americans often marry people from other backgrounds. In 2008, 17.4% of Hispanic marriages were with non-Hispanics. By 2010, 25.7% of newlyweds who were Hispanic married someone who wasn’t Hispanic. Native-born Hispanics were more likely to marry outside their group than foreign-born Hispanics.

In 2008, 81% of Hispanics who married outside the group married non-Hispanic White people, 9% married non-Hispanic Black people, 5% married non-Hispanic Asians, and the rest married multi-racial or other non-Hispanic partners.

Out of about 275,500 new marriages between different races or ethnicities in 2010, 43.3% were between White and Hispanic people. Unlike marriages with Black or Asian people, marriages between Hispanics and White people didn’t vary by gender. The combined income of White/Hispanic couples was lower than White/White couples but higher than Hispanic/Hispanic couples. More Hispanic men married to White women had college degrees than those married to Hispanic women, and the same was true for Hispanic women married to White men.

Most non-Hispanics are fine with a family member marrying a Hispanic. Among White, Asian, and Black people, over 80% were okay with it, and additional percentages were “bothered but accepting.” Only a small percentage would not accept it.

Hispanics also generally approve of marrying outside their group, with 81% “being fine” with marrying White people and 73% with Black people. Some felt “bothered but accepting,” and very few objected.

Puerto Ricans had the highest rates of intermarriage with Black people, while Cubans had the highest rates of intermarriage with White people.

Cultural adjustment

As Hispanic immigrants become more common in the U.S., their identity changes, especially for younger generations. Moving to a new country creates a mix of their original culture and American culture, forming a new sense of what it means to be Hispanic.

Transnationalism

Along with feeling separate from their home country and the U.S., a new identity called latinidad develops. This is especially seen in big cities like New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. It brings together different Hispanic groups under a shared sense of history, language, and culture.

Gender roles

A 1998 study of Mexican Americans found that men were more likely to think they should be the main earners, but women didn’t agree. Before the 1960s, Mexican men often felt they had to be the only providers, but this changed.

Traditional Hispanic families often have the man as the main decision-maker and the woman as housewife and mother. Women were expected to focus on home duties and defer to their husbands. But moving to the U.S. often changes this, as women become more independent. Some families send young women back to their home country if they don’t follow traditional roles, but many modern Hispanic families share work and chores more equally, and women are encouraged to get educations and careers.

Relations with other minority groups

With more Hispanics moving into areas that were mostly Black, there have been some tensions. A 2007 UCLA study found that 51% of Black people felt Hispanics were taking jobs and political power, and 44% of Hispanics feared Black people, linking them to crime. However, many Hispanics also credit Black Americans and the civil rights movement for making life easier for them.

A 2006 Pew Research Center poll found that most Black people thought Hispanic immigrants worked hard and had strong family values, but some believed immigrants took jobs and wanted immigration limited. This varied by city, with more concern in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Raleigh-Durham.

A 2008 University of California, Berkeley study suggested that the shift to flexible or contract labor, growing with Hispanic immigration, lowered wages and benefits for lower-paying jobs, affecting Black workers. A 2008 Gallup poll showed that most Hispanics and Black people believed relations between them were good, though some thought they were bad.

Keeping children safe

Studies show that a higher percentage of young Hispanic adults identify with LGBT communities compared to White or African American adults. This is even more common among Hispanic Millennials and Gen Z. While some traditional Hispanic views can make it hard for LGBT people, recent polls show that many Hispanics in America accept LGBT people and same-sex marriage, especially as more young Hispanics identify as LGBT.

Politics

Main article: Hispanic and Latino American politics

See also: List of Hispanic Americans in the United States Congress

Hispanic and Latino Americans have different political views based on where they live and their backgrounds. Most (57%) support or identify with the Democrats, while 23% support the Republicans. This gap grew between 2007 and 2022. Traditionally, they have been a key support group for the Democratic Party, but since the early 2010s, opinions have split more between the two parties.

Different groups within Hispanic and Latino Americans tend to support different parties. For example, Cuban, Colombian, Chilean, and Venezuelan Americans often support the Republicans, while Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominican Americans usually support the Democrats. Because Mexican Americans make up the largest group, the Democratic Party is generally stronger with this community overall.

Some important political groups for Hispanic and Latino Americans include the League of United Latin American Citizens, the National Council of La Raza, the United Farm Workers, the Cuban American National Foundation, and the National Institute for Latino Policy.

The large number of Hispanic and Latino Americans—over 60 million, with 27 million able to vote—makes their voting choices very important in elections. The difference in votes between the two main parties is often small, around 4%, so Hispanic and Latino votes can change the outcome.

Political affiliations

Main page: Category:Hispanic and Latino American members of the Cabinet of the United States

From 1986 to 1996, Hispanic and Latino voters became more active, though still less than other groups. Issues like immigration and civil rights were important. In the 1992 election, Bill Clinton worked hard to get their support, which helped him win. By 1996, more Hispanic and Latino people were elected to Congress.

In the 1996 election, 72% of Hispanic and Latino voters chose Bill Clinton. By 2004, this dropped to 54% for John Kerry. In California, Hispanic and Latino voters strongly supported Democrats, but in Texas and Florida, opinions were more split.

In 1998, a California vote to change school language rules showed how much Hispanic and Latino communities could influence policy. The 2000 election was very close, and reaching out to Hispanic and Latino voters helped George W. Bush win. By 2006, due to issues like the Iraq War and debates over immigration, Hispanic and Latino voters strongly supported Democrats again.

In 2008, Hispanic and Latino voters participated more than before. In the race between Barack Obama and John McCain, 67% chose Obama. Their support was important in states like Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Virginia.

In 2012, 71% of Hispanic and Latino voters chose Obama over Mitt Romney. Issues like immigration reform and healthcare were important to them.

In 2016, Hillary Clinton won about 79% of the Hispanic and Latino vote, higher than Obama. Donald Trump’s comments and policies on immigration made many Hispanic and Latino voters support Democrats.

In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won a surprise election and became the youngest woman in Congress. In 2020, Hispanic and Latino voters were the largest minority group voting, with 32 million eligible voters.

In 2020, Joe Biden won the election, with strong support from Hispanic and Latino voters. However, Donald Trump gained more support from this group compared to 2016, especially in Florida and Texas. Different groups within Hispanic and Latino Americans have different voting patterns based on history, economics, and other factors.

In 2022, Mayra Flores became the first Mexican-born woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, though she later lost her re-election.

Political impact

Main article: List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States

See also: Latino vote

In the 2024 election, Donald Trump gained more support from Hispanic and Latino voters than in past elections, especially among men and in states like Florida and Texas. Economic issues like inflation and housing costs became more important to many Hispanic and Latino voters. Still, the Democratic Party remains strong with younger and more progressive Hispanic and Latino voters.

Notable contributions

Hispanic Americans have made important contributions to the United States in many areas, such as politics, the military, music, film, literature, sports, business, and science.

Arts and entertainment

In 1995, an award was created to honor Hispanic performers in acting, directing, and music. Many Hispanic musicians have had a big impact on the music industry in the United States and around the world.

Music

Many Hispanic American musicians have become famous and influential, such as Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Carlos Santana.

Hispanic music from Cuba and Mexico became popular in the 1950s. Artists like Celia Cruz were very successful.

In 1986, a chart was introduced to rank the best-performing songs on Spanish-language radio stations in the United States. Later, charts for top-selling Latin albums were also created.

In 1989, an award ceremony was established to recognize talented performers of Spanish-language music. In 2000, another award was created specifically for musicians who perform in Spanish and Portuguese.

Film, radio, television, and theatre

American cinema has often shown negative stereotypes of minorities, but representation has improved, especially since the 1990s. Filmmakers and actors like Edward James Olmos and Jessica Alba have become successful.

Hispanics have also contributed many actors and others to the film industry. Some notable actors include José Ferrer, Rita Moreno, and Salma Hayek.

Hispanics are underrepresented in U.S. television, radio, and film, but organizations work to improve this.

Some Hispanic actors who have succeeded in U.S. television include Desi Arnaz, Jimmy Smits, and Sofia Vergara.

Fashion

Notable Hispanic fashion designers include Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Famous models include Christy Turlington and Adriana Lima.

Artists

Notable Hispanic artists include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Judith Baca, and Carmen Herrera.

Business and finance

The number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew quickly from 2002.

Business leaders include Roberto Goizueta, who led The Coca-Cola Company, and Arte Moreno, the first Hispanic to own a major league baseball team in the United States.

There are several Hispanics on the list of richest Americans.

The largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States is Goya Foods.

Since 2021, a magazine has listed young Hispanic executives in the United States.

Government and politics

As of 2007, there were over five thousand elected officials in the United States who were Hispanic.

In the House of Representatives, there are many Hispanic representatives. In the Senate, there are also Hispanic members.

Hispanic Governors include Brian Sandoval and Susana Martinez.

Hispanic Americans have served in presidential administrations since 1988.

In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Supreme Court Justice of Hispanic origin.

In 2022, Robert Santos became the first Director of the U.S. Census Bureau of Hispanic origin.

Organizations like the Congressional Hispanic Caucus work to promote policies important to Hispanic Americans.

Literature and journalism

Writers and their works

Hispanic writers have produced many famous books, such as How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Álvarez and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.

Journalists

Hispanic journalists include Ana Cabrera, who works for CNN, and Jorge Ramos, who has won many awards.

Military

Hispanics have served in the military since the American Revolution and have participated in every major conflict.

Many Hispanics have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.

Science and technology

Hispanic Americans have made important contributions to science.

Luis Walter Álvarez won a Nobel Prize in Physics, and Mario J. Molina won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Other notable scientists include Dr. Victor Manuel Blanco, who discovered a galactic cluster, and Dr. Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas, who discovered bacteria that cause dental cavities.

Some Hispanics have become astronauts, including Franklin Chang-Diaz and Ellen Ochoa.

Sports

Hispanic and Latino American women in sports

Hispanic women have achieved great success in sports. Monica Puig, a tennis player from Puerto Rico, won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Laurie Hernandez, a gymnast, also won gold in 2016. Jessica Mendoza is a former softball player and Olympic gold medalist who now works as a baseball analyst.

Hispanic and Latino American men in sports

Football

Tom Flores was the first Hispanic head coach and quarterback in American professional football. Anthony Muñoz is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Baseball

Hispanics have played in Major League Baseball since its beginning. Famous players include Ted Williams, Sammy Sosa, and Alex Rodriguez.

Basketball

Players like Carmelo Anthony and Manu Ginóbili have succeeded in the NBA.

Tennis

Pancho Gonzales was a legendary tennis player. Monica Puig won a gold medal in tennis at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Soccer

Hispanics have greatly influenced soccer in the United States. Players like Tab Ramos and Claudio Reyna have played in Major League Soccer.

Swimming

Ryan Lochte and Dara Torres, both of Cuban ancestry, have won many Olympic medals.

Other sports

Hispanic athletes have also succeeded in boxing, mixed martial arts, hockey, figure skating, golf, softball, and skateboarding.

Anti-Latino sentiment

Main article: Anti-Mexican sentiment

See also: Perpetual foreigner § United States

In countries like the United States, where many people have families who came from other places, some people sometimes feel negative toward new immigrants. This can show up as unfair treatment based on a person's background, culture, or the language they speak. Throughout American history, there have been times when people treated Hispanic and Latino communities unfairly. These feelings often came from misunderstandings about their culture, religion, or how they spoke.

In recent years, there have been reports of unfair and hurtful actions toward Hispanic communities. For example, in some places, the number of unfair treatments grew. This kind of treatment can make it harder for Hispanic families to feel safe and successful in their new homes.

Discrimination

Many Hispanic people have felt treated unfairly, and most believe that unfair treatment affects their chances to do well in life. Laws about who can live in the country also help create an unfriendly environment for immigrants. Researchers study these experiences to understand how they affect people’s feelings and health. After big events like September 11, 2001, some people were unfairly called dangerous just because of their background. This kind of treatment can be very hard on families and young people.

Immigration reform

1965: Immigration and Nationality Act (Hart-Celler Act)

The Immigration and Nationality Act, created in 1952, is a key law that organizes many rules about who can come to the United States and how they can stay. This law has been changed many times to fit new needs.

1986: Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)

In 1986, new rules were added to help control who can work in the United States. Employers must check if people can legally work here. The law also helped some people who had lived in the U.S. for a long time to become official residents.

1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA)

In 1996, the law was updated to help protect people who have faced serious harm from family members. This includes people who have been hurt by a spouse, parent, or other family living with them. These protections apply even if the person asking for help is not the one harmed, such as a child living with an abused parent.

2012: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a policy started in 2012. It gives temporary protection from being sent away and allows work permits to young people who came to the United States as children. To qualify, they must have arrived before age 16, be under 31 now, and have lived here since June 15, 2007. They also need to be in school, have finished high school, or have served honorably in the military. DACA does not lead to permanent status but must be renewed every two years. Many people benefited from DACA, seeing better jobs and education. The policy has faced legal challenges but continues to help many young immigrants.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Janet Napolitano Secretary of Homeland Security Obama administration high school US Armed Forces Coast Guard