Community Corner
Latinos in Greater New Haven: Emerging Influence - Growing Opportunity
As the youngest and fastest growing ethnic group in Greater New Haven and the state, Latinos are indelibly linked to the region’s vitality and prosperity. The emerging influence of Latinos is seen in the recent appointment of Carmen E. Espinosa to the state Supreme Court, the existence of the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission, a Spanish online news site, LaVoz Hispana, and an English on-line news site, CT Latino News.com. And a significant number of people of Latin American and Caribbean origin populate local municipal boards, head businesses, and serve as community leaders.
Yet too many young Latinos are disconnected in school and dropping out before they gain the skills to compete for good jobs. Unless reversed, this trend will only add to the already high concentration of Latinos in low-wage jobs. And low voting rates among Latino voters have resulted in limited political focus on issues with Latinos at the center. Making life better for Latinos is not only an issue of social justice. It is in everyone's economic interest.