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Latinos have endured generations of systemic inequities due to racism and discrimination.
Over the years, institutions, structures, and policies have given rise to gaps in housing, income, education, and more, which lead to higher risk for diseases like cancer.
Even though these disparities persist, policymakers are pushing for change.
On July 17, 2024, the Biden White House announced several new policies to expand opportunities for Latino communities, including increasing access to higher education.
Let’s investigate some of these policies and how they endeavor to help Latinos.
Increasing Educational and Economic Gains Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions
More than 500 Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) that span across 27 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, educate more than 4.7 million students, according to a White House news release.
HSIs comprise more than 55% of the Latino college student population.
In 2020, Latino men earned 188,000 degrees from HSIs and Latinas earned 300,000 degrees as HSIs, according to a Salud America resource.
To help facilitate the growth of these institutions and support the mission of creating more opportunities for Latino higher education, an executive order was signed for “Advancing Educational Equity, Excellent, and Economic Opportunity through HSIs.”
This initiative aims to increase opportunities for these institutions to participate in federal programs and boost awareness about them and help institutions to better serve their students’ educational needs.
To help with the upward mobility of these institutions, the initiative will help identity strategies and programs to help students achieve educational and economic success.
Special attention has been given to the growth and demand of jobs needed in STEM fields, which consist of careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, by extending program offerings.
Other efforts to aid these institutions include increasing fiscal security, fostering collaboration with other Latino-focused organizations, data collection to assess equity improvement and needs, and strengthen recruitment and create pathways for career opportunities.
Investing in Families, Immigration, and Education Access for Dreamers
In the wake of a federal ruling that expands health care coverage to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and certain other noncitizens, new actions were announced that expand access to legal representation and immigration services to keep families together during the immigration process, according to the news release.
Concerning a previously announced initiative on a new process that allows US citizens with noncitizen spouses and children who have been living in the US for 10 years or more to go through immigration while remaining with their families, it’s been announced that eligible applicants can submit to undergo this process on Aug. 19, 2024.
The initiative is slated to help half a million spouses, and 50,000 children gain legal status.
Another recently announced immigration policy making it easier for immigrants, including DACA recipients, who received their degrees in the US to obtain work visas and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy, is receiving a policy guidance update.
In the same vein, the US Department of Education is proposing a rule to expand a federal program that would extend higher education enrollment to Dreamers and other immigrants.
The program helps to provide high school students with college campus visits, tutoring, and completing college and financial aid applications.
It also works to assist students from low-income families and those who are poised to be the first to go to college transition from high school to college.
If approved, the ruling would help 50,000 more students gain access to these resources and allow many more to seek higher education.
Expanding Access to Legal Representation and Services for Immigrants
In addition to rolling out the new immigration support program, the Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration is making it easier for immigration seekers to obtain legal representation by doubling the number of “Attorney of the Day” program locations.
The Attorney of the Day program “makes volunteer lawyers available in immigration courtrooms to provide assistance to those who do not have representation at their initial immigration court hearings,” according to the news release.
Places expanding the program include immigration courts in Hyattsville, Maryland; New York City; and Atlanta in addition to the three current locations: San Francisco, New Orleans, and Chicago.
Those with immigration proceedings who are unrepresented can also utilize a new portal.
Launched earlier this year, the Respondent Access Portal allows you to view case information and scheduled hearings, download case records, and file documents.
The Justice Department is also prioritizing improving the immigration system and finding new ways to help increase legal representation by creating a new leadership position.
Building on improving the immigration system, the current administration is seeking more lawyers to do pro bono work for immigrants who are unrepresented in court proceedings.
Lastly, a new initiative aimed at bringing immigration assistance to local communities, especially rural and underserved communities.
The services included in “USCIS to You” include naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies, customer service appointments, and education on immigration benefits and processes.
To help implement this initiative in local communities, USCIS is providing up to $2.6 million to assist with new citizenship programs and train staff on how to navigate the naturalization process.
What Do These Policies Mean for Latinos and Latino Immigrants?
When it comes to higher learning, education is a gateway to higher paying jobs.
Higher paying jobs come with more responsibility and opportunities for leadership to boost Latino representation.
Representation translates to more Latinos sharing their experiences and cultural backgrounds to positively influence decisions that benefit Latino communities.
These jobs also help with financial upward mobility, which can eliminate barriers to health equity such as housing, transportation, and access to healthy foods.
Breaking down and eliminating institutionalized educational barriers can help future generations of Latinos succeed.
Of the 46.2 million US immigrants, 4 million (9%) are from South America, which has a large population of Latinos, as of 2022, according to Migration Policy.
US immigrants are a valuable part of the US economic system, and 31.3 million people make up the US labor force as of 2023, according to USA Facts.
What’s more, immigration policies serve to keep families together during a time when many households rely on two incomes to make ends meet.
More money being brought in reduces the risk for food insecurity while a united family presence benefits children’s mental health and the mental health of all Latinos.
Create Local Change
While these policies, initiatives, and directives stand to help millions of Latinos and their families across the country, there is more that still needs to be done and it begins with you.
You have the power to create change at the community level by arming yourself with the resources and evidence needed to make a difference!
Download the free Salud America! Health Equity Report Card today.
The Health Equity Report Card is specifically designed for your community and gives you an idea of where it stands on important issues such as access to healthcare, education, and housing.
Information contained in the Health Equity Report Card can be compared to your state and the rest of the country, giving you the tools needed to make a case for local change.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
