The Surge of Latino America — And What It Means for the Country

In this episode of The Miller Report: Real Clear Journalism, Maggie Miller sits down with Joel Kotkin and Jennifer Hernandez to discuss their new RealClearInvestigations piece based on their comprehensive report from the Civitas Institute examining one of the most significant demographic and economic shifts reshaping the nation: the rise of Latino America.

Latinos now make up about 20% of the U.S. population — up from just 5% in 1970 — and are responsible for more than half of all population growth. By 2060, they’re projected to drive nearly all of it. But the investigation shows this story isn’t just about demographic momentum; it’s about economic influence. Yet it also highlights real challenges getting in the way of the American Dream.

We explore what’s driving these trends, how concerns around immigration enforcement intersect with belief in the American Dream, and what their findings mean for policymakers and the country’s future.