Latina immigrant in California: 'We have to do everything to survive' amid cost of living crisis

The American dream feels increasingly out of reach for many Latino immigrants in California as the cost of living continues to climb. With inflation at 3.5%, residents are finding it harder to afford groceries and other essentials.

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We have to do everything to survive.

Norma López, a resident of Ontario in San Bernardino County, told Telemundo 52 that she has to seek additional income sources to support her family. "If I can, I clean houses, or if a friend needs help, I go to earn a few more dollars. We have to do everything to survive," she said.

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A pound of meat isn't enough for five people, and most cost more than ten dollars. It's very expensive for a family of five.

López, interviewed while shopping at a supermarket, noted the high price of meat, stating, "A pound of meat isn't enough for five people, and most cost more than ten dollars. It's very expensive for a family of five." She explained that she resorts to stretching meals by adding water to beans or mixing them with rice or vegetables.

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You have to add more water to the beans, mix them with rice or vegetables so they last longer.

Similar sentiments were echoed by other residents in Bakersfield, like Myra Magaña, who expressed frustration over working hard yet seeing money not go far. "Nothing goes down; instead of going down, it just goes up," she said. Families are constantly adjusting their budgets, cutting expenses in one area only to face higher costs elsewhere, such as rising gas prices or utility bills.

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It's very frustrating because you work hard and see that the money doesn't go far. Nothing goes down; instead of going down, it just goes up.