As the new year begins, one of the most popular traditions is writing resolutions in the hope that things will get better, especially at a moment when improving living conditions could be a major step toward greater personal and family stability.
In 2024, more than 62.5 million people identify as Latinos in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. As tradition dictates, many of them are setting resolutions to create positive change and achieve personal and collective goals. Based on surveys, community discussions, and expert opinions, here are the top resolutions that many Latinos are prioritizing in 2024.
1. Become US citizens
One of the top resolutions in many Latino households every year is for non-citizen members of the family to become naturalized citizens. While thousands achieve this personal milestone every year, there are still millions of Latinos who have not yet taken the Oath of Allegiance as they complete this process. According to the Pew Research Center, out of the 62.5 million Latinos in the country, 81% are already U.S. citizens. That means almost 11.9 million of them are not citizens, which represents more than 30.6%.
2. Educational Advancement
While the number of Latinos graduating from college is reaching record highs, the truth is that, compared to other groups, Latinos lag behind in terms of higher education degrees.
According to Excelencia in Education, an organization that promotes the educational advancement of this community, only 28% of Latino adults 25 and older graduate from college, compared to 48% of white adults in the same age group. The same report highlights that the number of Latinos with college degrees has more than doubled between 2000 and 2021.Looking ahead to 2024, despite setbacks such as the end of affirmative action in colleges as ruled by the Supreme Court, Latinos will undoubtedly commit to investing in their education and skills development. The National Council of La Raza identifies some resolutions for 2024, including pursuing higher education, enrolling in professional development courses, and supporting educational initiatives for their children.
3. Financial Empowerment
Financial literacy and empowerment are at the forefront of resolutions for Latinos in 2024. Setting goals for savings, investments, and responsible spending, many are focused on building a secure financial future for themselves and their families. In fact, achieving financial stability is a driving force for many Latinos pursuing better job opportunities as it represents the best way out of poverty. According to the Pew Research Center, financial stability is a top priority for Latinos in 2024. Resolutions include saving more, investing wisely, and seeking financial education to build generational wealth. Currently, the median annual Latino household income is $59,000, a far cry from the general population, whose household income is close to $74,600, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Increase political participation and civil engagement
Latinos shattered political glass ceilings in 2021, reaching a record number of elected positions across the country, according to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). The past two years, marked by heightened political engagement among the Latino community, culminated in this historic milestone, proving their growing influence and impact on the American political landscape. NALEO currently counts 7,087 U.S. Hispanics/Latinos elected to office, a record high that reflects the community's growing political power. Although it denotes progress, the figure remains proportionally small, underscoring the continued underrepresentation of Latinos in political spheres. This issue is also evident in Latino voter turnout. While Latinos represent more than 19% of the general U.S. population, eligible Latino voters in the country still fall significantly behind that percentage. According to the Pew Research Center, eligible voters jumped to 14.3% in 2022 from 7.4% in 2000. For 2024, groups like Voto Latino and Latino Victory Project and UnidosUS aim for increased Latino participation, both in running for office and mobilizing support for candidates, as well as in promoting the votes of the younger generations.
Learn English, preserve Spanish
In 2024, many Latinos are setting resolutions to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage. This involves passing down traditions, teaching languages, and actively engaging in cultural events that showcase the richness of Latino history and contributions, as stated by the groups consulted by The Latin Times. According to Pew Research, there is also a strong desire among Latinos to preserve their language and culture. Pew reported last year that among Latinos in the U.S., 72% are proficient in English. However, differences exist among them, with 91% of those aged 5 and older born in the country having proficiency in the language, while only 38% of those foreign-born are English proficient.
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