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- College Initiative
- Get Involved
- Resources
- College Initiative
- Get Involved
- Resources
- …
- College Initiative
- Get Involved
- Resources
There’s a gap between how Latinos are often portrayed and who we actually are. Outdated stereotypes still shape the way people see us, leaving out the real stories of our creativity, hard work, and impact in every part of society.
This disconnect creates confusion and misinformation, especially when decisions are made based on assumptions instead of facts. It's time to elevate the real narrative, one that reflects the drive and everyday contributions of Latinos across the country.
MYTH 1
Latinos don’t work, they’re lazy.
¡REALITY!
Latinos have the highest labor force participation rate among all ethnic groups at 69%.
MYTH 2
Latinos are criminals.
¡REALITY!
Hispanics represent 20% of the U.S. population but only 13.7% of violent crime offenders, underrepresented by -32% relative to their population share.
MYTH 3
All Latinos are immigrants.
¡REALITY!
90% of U.S. Latinos are here lawfully: 81% are U.S. citizens, and 9% more lawful residents.
MYTH 4
Latinos don’t pay taxes.
¡REALITY!
Latinos pay billions of dollars in taxes; even more considering the 13% that are undocumented and never benefit from those taxes.
MYTH 5
Latinas only belong in the kitchen.
¡REALITY!
Latina-owned businesses are growing at an impressive 6.3% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing White female-owned businesses at 3.9%.
MYTH 6
Latinos only belong in low-paying jobs.
¡REALITY!
In 2021, nearly 2.5 million Latinos in the U.S. held advanced degrees—up from 710,000 in 2000—with 72% (1.8 million) holding a master’s degree. This marks the fastest growth in advanced degrees of any racial or ethnic group, including a 291% increase among Latina women and 199% among Latino men.
MYTH
Latinos are Takers
¡REALITY!
Of the 41 million people receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNSP), Hispanic individuals make up just 15% of recipients. In comparison, White individuals account for approximately 35% African Americans 26%, Asians 4% and Native Americans around 2%. Additionally, about 18% are classified as "race unknown.
Source: Food Research and Action Center
MYTH
Latinos are lazy
¡REALITY!
Latinos have created a GDP of $4 trillion and will account for 78% of new workers in the next ten years.
MYTH
All Latinos are undocumented
¡REALITY!
13% of Latinos do not have legal status meaning the vast majority do. And 94% of young Latinos under the age of 18 were born in the United States and are thus American citizens.
MYTH
Latinos only work unskilled labor jobs
¡REALITY!
More and more Latinos are becoming engineers - countering the imminent shortage in the engineer workforce. And Latinos are entrepreneurs with 62% of Latinos under the age of 34 saying starting/owning a business is a top priority.
