Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority in the United States. Because they are rapidly making up a significant proportion of our population, it’s important to consider how we as a nation can invest in their success. To do this, we’ll have to look at the specific challenges many Hispanics are experiencing in America, especially when it comes to higher education. This is just a glimpse of what we can do to achieve education equality for all Americans.
Take a look at the numbers first
The U.S. Census reports that the estimated Hispanic population in the nation is 52 million—making residents of Hispanic origin the largest minority in the country. In fact, one of every six Americans is a Hispanic. That number is expected to rise to more than 132 million by 2050, and Hispanics will then represent 30 percent of the U.S. population. Children with Hispanic roots make up 23 percent of the age 17 and under demographic—making future higher education legislation critical for this growing and thriving minority group.
Many young Hispanics may feel overwhelmed by the social and financial pressure associated with college attendance and are in need of the right guidance. While higher education initiatives are changing to address these issues, only 13 percent of the Hispanic population over the age of 25 had a bachelor’s degree or higher in the 2010 Census.
Does the federal government have any solutions?
Early on, the Obama administration recognized the rapid growth of the Hispanic community, specifically as it impacts higher education, and put several pieces of legislation into motion including the DREAM Act. First introduced in the U.S. Senate in August 2001, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act was designed to reward children in good standing that came to the country illegally. Temporary residency is granted for a six-year time frame for young people that seek higher educational pursuits with an option for permanent residency after completion of a bachelor’s degree or beyond.
