Coronavirus Crisis: Hispanics Losing Work At Double The Rate Of Whites

While millions of Americans are being impacted financially by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the crisis is hurting some groups far more than others: A recent poll found that Hispanics are losing work at almost double the rate white Americans are.

The survey conducted by Washington Post/Ipsos found that while 11% of white workers have either lost their jobs or have been furloughed since the beginning of the crisis, 20% of Hispanic workers have lost work. It was found that black Americans are becoming unemployed at greater rates than whites as well, at 16%.

The worst-hit group, according to the survey, is Hispanic men, with 22% reporting having lost their jobs.

The survey was conducted ahead of data released May 7, which showed over 3 million more Americans seeking unemployment assistance.

Hispanic and black workers have borne the brunt of the coronavirus crisis – and not just financially. Statistics have shown that these groups have also had higher rates of infection than white Americans.

How are these racial disparities explained? It is due, in no small way, to the fact that these workers tend to be over-represented in certain sectors that were drastically affected by social distancing and stay-home orders, including blue collar work, retail, service and hospitality. In general, the crisis has meant that those working in those sectors have either been unable to work or, if they are considered essential workers, are at higher risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

In 2016, exit polling found 28% of Hispanic voters backed Donald Trump; since then, Hispanic support for the President has – despite a swath of policy decisions targeting immigrants and Hispanics – remained fairly steady. While this might not sound significant, the Hispanic vote has long been crucial for Democrats, but in the last three years they appear to have been unsuccessful in shifting support away from Trump.

The question now is how the coronavirus pandemic has and will impact that support. With one-in-five Hispanic Americans now out of work, will a mounting sense of desperation and frustration be enough to shake this voting group’s support for Trump?

This crisis presents a prime opportunity for Democrats to both demonstrate leadership and present a road map explaining how, if the elections in November go in their favor, they will support Hispanic families and get workers back on their feet.