In Miami, a significant portion of the Latino workforce is expressing concerns about the direction of the U.S. economy. A recent report by the union Unite Here reveals that 77% of those surveyed believe the economic situation is deteriorating, with only a mere 5% feeling optimistic about improvements.
Conducted in collaboration with SEIU 32BJ, the study titled "Somos Miami" gathered opinions from 2,381 Latinos residing in Miami-Dade County between March and June 2026. Participants hail from diverse backgrounds, including Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the United States, and other nations.
Growing Financial Strain Among Latinos
Financial burdens are a prevalent concern, as evidenced by survey results. An overwhelming 88% rated their worry about transportation and gas costs at the highest level of concern. Following closely are concerns about food prices at 85%, housing and utilities at 78%, and insurance and medical expenses at 67%.
Flor Ramírez, a worker at Miami International Airport and a member of Unite Here's Local 355, encapsulated the union's findings from door-to-door visits, stating, "The first thing we heard was how dramatically prices have surged in Miami, including higher rents."
Support for Economic Reforms
The dissatisfaction is prompting support for economic reforms. Notably, 82% of respondents advocate for rent increase caps, while 67% favor increased taxes on millionaires and billionaires.
Adding to the pressure, Miami's cost of living surpassed New York's for the first time in 2026, with housing prices having soared by 79% since the pandemic.
Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny
Immigration policies are also a contentious topic. Approximately 58% of those surveyed expressed disappointment with governmental actions, and 19% reported feeling "angry" about the current measures.
The report highlights that Miami's ICE office has led the nation in immigration arrests during Trump’s second term, with over 41,000 detentions since early 2025.
Unite Here, representing 300,000 workers in the hospitality and gaming sectors across the U.S. and Canada, released the survey with the upcoming midterm elections on November 3, 2026, in mind. With 70% of Miami-Dade's population being Hispanic and 54% born outside the U.S., the region is poised to play a pivotal role.
In the background, political dynamics are shifting. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump became the first Republican to secure a win in the county since 1988, garnering 48% of the national Hispanic vote according to the Pew Research Center.
The data from "Somos Miami" raises questions about the Cuban vote in Florida as the economy and immigration emerge as key issues in future elections.
Understanding Latino Perspectives on U.S. Economic and Immigration Issues
What percentage of Latino workers in Miami believe the U.S. economy is worsening?
According to the survey, 77% of Latino workers in Miami believe the U.S. economy is getting worse.
Which financial concerns are most pressing for these workers?
The most pressing financial concerns include transportation and gas costs, food prices, housing and utilities, and insurance and medical expenses.
How do Miami's Latino workers view current immigration policies?
A significant portion, 58%, feel disappointed with current immigration policies, while 19% express anger towards them.