The 2021 LDC Perceptions About Latinos in America Report offers an insightful look into how Americans perceive the U.S. Latino community. Commissioned by the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), along with the Latino Corporate Directors Association, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, and UnidosUS, this report is based on a comprehensive poll conducted in August 2021. It examines the public’s understanding of Latinos, their contributions to the American economy, and the stereotypes that persist despite these contributions.
One of the critical findings of the report is the widespread misperception about the size of the Latino population in the U.S. Many Americans overestimate both the total number of Latinos and the percentage of undocumented Latino immigrants. The reality is that Latinos make up 18.7% of the U.S. population, with two-thirds being native-born citizens and only 13% being undocumented immigrants. This misperception has led to skewed views about the broader Latino community, often overshadowing their positive contributions.
The report also highlights the disconnect between the public’s perception and the reality of Latino contributions to the U.S. economy. Despite Latinos having the highest workforce participation rate among any racial or ethnic group, most Americans are unaware of this fact. Furthermore, Latinos are often seen as farmworkers or laborers, with little recognition of their roles as entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals. This misrepresentation contributes to the lack of visibility and acknowledgment of the significant economic impact that Latinos have, including their $2.7 trillion GDP, which would rank as the seventh-largest in the world if it were an independent nation.
Additionally, the report sheds light on the sources of information that shape these perceptions. While personal interactions with Latinos tend to result in positive views, media coverage, especially on issues like undocumented immigration, often perpetuates negative stereotypes. The report emphasizes the need for more accurate and positive representation of Latinos in the media to combat these misconceptions.
To explore the detailed findings and recommendations from this comprehensive study, download the full 2021 LDC Perceptions About Latinos in America Report from the Latino Donor Collaborative website.
