Only 19% of Latinos in the United States consider that the American dream is still achievable for the majority of the population, while almost a third believe that it was possible in the past, but is no longer, according to a report by the social research organization Navigator Research.
The study, released within the framework of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the country’s independence and based on a national survey conducted between the end of May and the beginning of June, as well as focus groups with African Americans and Latinos from seven states, reflects that the rising cost of living, stagnant wages and the loss of purchasing power have deteriorated the perception of economic opportunities.
According to the sample, for Latino participants, the American dream continues to mean earning a living wage, buying a home and supporting a family, goals that they consider increasingly difficult to achieve.
Despite this economic pessimism, More than 80% of Latinos say that being American is an important part of their personal identity. In the focus groups, many defined that identity not by ethnic origin but by shared values such as freedom of expression, the right to vote, diversity and the possibility of building a better life.
Only 15% of Latinos said that being American is not important to their identity.
The results are based on a national survey conducted between May 27 and June 1, 2026, among 1,000 U.S. adults, including 237 African Americans and 239 Latinos, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points for the full sample.
Additionally, Navigator Research conducted an online focus group on June 2 with African Americans and Latinos from Georgia, Michigan, PennsylvaniaTexas, Ohio, Wisconsin and Mississippi, of different ages, genders and political inclinations, whose results are qualitative and are not statistically representative.
The report also captures a growing sense of loss of rights and belonging.
Some participants noted that political polarization has caused those who disagree with the government to be questioned as Americans, while others expressed concern about changes in electoral rules and what they see as a weakening of civil liberties.
Among Latinos, 72% identify independence as one of the most important values of the United States and although 47% of Latinos consider that the United States is currently in decline, the study reveals that moderate optimism persists about the long term: 36% believe that the country will be better in twenty years, compared to 31% who foresee a worse scenario.
Looking ahead to the celebrations for the quarter millennium of the United States in 2026, Navigator Research concludes that the messages that best connect with Latinos are those that highlight democracy, diversity as one of the country’s greatest strengths, the defense of the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States, rather than speeches focused solely on patriotism
