The Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Latinos in the U.S.

Abstract

The pandemic created a substantial negative impact on Latinos well-being in the United States. COVID-19 caused a socioeconomic crisis that devastated the health landscape of Latinos for many years to come. According to Noe-Bustamante, et al. (2022), about 50 percent of Latinos say they or someone close to them faced health or financial hardships during COVID-19. In response to the health and financial hardships of COVID-19, policies such as the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act have sought to relieve these issues. While these policies were enacted as an emergency response, they failed to benefit all individuals in the US. The research analyzes the socioeconomic effects of COVID-19 on the Latino community through a literature review. The study finds that Latinos’ socioeconomic impact has worsened during the pandemic due to long-standing structural inequities that COVID-19 has exacerbated. The pandemic poses a great threat to the roles played by Latinos in the socio-economical life of the nation. Recommendations include enacting policies that prevent Latino individuals and families from being marginalized in future support services. Such policies will prepare workers for success and security regardless of their immigration status. They will advance mental health services, specific to this ethnic group. The policies will also offer inclusive housing services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. In addition, the political initiative will increase the Latino communities’ academic opportunities and performance. Subsequently, the policies will enhance the economic mobility of working-class families.