The U.S. Department of Labor revealed the overall unemployment rate increased to 6.2 percent for July, but the rate for Latinos remained at 7.8 percent.

Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez noted the U.S. experienced its sixth-consecutive month of job growth with employment gains of 200,000, although it's 53 months of successive gains for the private sector. Perez attributed the 0.1 percent increase in the unemployment rate to the increase in labor force participation. In comparison to July 2013, the unemployment rate is down from 7.3 percent.

"The sustained progress and continued momentum make me optimistic. However, many Americans, despite their best efforts, are still struggling to climb out of the hole created by the Great Recession," Perez said in a statement. "As our economy continues on its positive trajectory, we should use the momentum to enable more people to access ladders of opportunity."

According to Latino Decisions and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the aftermath of the recession resulted in Latino workers and entrepreneurs supporting the U.S. economy's resurgence.

"But even though they are the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce, Hispanics still struggle with a number of economic issues related to poverty, unemployment, and housing," NCLR noted, adding the economic crisis is still "very personal" for Latino families.

NCLR's monthly Latino employment report, "Latino Families Experiencing Slower Economic Recovery," noted 25.3 million Latinos are in the civilian labor force, meaning both employed and unemployed figures.

Of those working, 23.3 million Latinos over the age of 16 are employed, even on a "temporarily absent" basis. Two million Latinos are unemployed. The unemployed Latinos rate includes those who are available to work, have made an effort to find a job or are expected to get a call back from a layoff.

The unemployment rate among Latino men age 20 and older is 6 percent, a decrease from June's 6.4 percent. For Latina women, the unemployment rate increased from June's 7.2 percent to 7.7 percent.

While the Department of Labor touted the sixth-consecutive month of job growth, Latinos noted they are concerned about the lack of career advancement in the current economy. In a poll with Latino Decisions, NCLR noted 78 percent of Latinos expressed concern, notably the younger demographic. Half of Latinos polled admitted to having trouble paying their bills as 53 percent were "worried" of someone within the household becoming unemployed.

A majority of Latinos are in favor of increasing the minimum wage, and 55 percent would suport an elected official who has voted for an increase. Latinas were more in favor of the minimum wage increase, with 60 percent.

Politicians have also commented on July's unemployment report. Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, said, "We can do better."

"For example, we still have millions of Americans trapped in part-time jobs, which shows just how weak this recovery has been and how much room there is for improvement So while some in Washington may latch on to these numbers as a cause for complacency, what they really are is a call to action," Boehner said.

"Congress must act to ensure a fair shot for all Americans by creating jobs and strengthening the middle class," Reid said before adding Senate Republicans' efforts to block votes that would raise the minimum wage, equal pay for women and improve college affordability.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., noted the economy has continued to "strengthen," though many Americans are still struggling to find a job.

President Barack Obama also stated that the economy "clearly is getting stronger," but more can be done.

"Unfortunately, there are a series of steps that we could be taking to maintain momentum, and perhaps even accelerate it; there are steps that we could be taking that would result in more job growth, higher wages, higher incomes, more relief for middle-class families. And so far, at least, in Congress, we have not seen them willing or able to take those steps," Obama said.

The president noted "common-sense ideas" such as infrastructure, raising the minimum wage, easing student loans, pair pay and paid leave are example to help working families feel more "stable and secure."

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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