As the overall U.S. unemployment rate fell, the Latino unemployment rate also dropped but fewer Latinos are participating in the labor force.

Within the U.S. Latino community, the unemployment rate declined from July's 6.8 percent to August's 6.6. percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the civilian labor force rate also declined, which is not good news. The BLS' August data showed 26 million Latinos are in the civilian labor force, which represents both individuals employed and unemployed.

The term "unemployed," however, comprises of people "who are available to work, make an effort to find a job or expect to be called back from a layoff but are not working," according to the National Council of La Raza. The federal definition of unemployed takes into account individuals still trying to find work. In comparison to July, the civilian labor force was nearly 26.2 million, meaning thousands of Latinos, during August, no longer sought employment. The BLS stated approximately 13.7 million Latinos are not in the labor force, which means Latinos over the age of 16 who are neither employed or unemployed.

In positive employment news, 24.3 million Latinos are employed in August.

Overall, regardless of ethnicity, the unemployment rate fell to 5.1 percent with an increase of 173,000 jobs in non-farm payroll. The BLS noted the job gains occurred in health care, social assistance and financial jobs. Meanwhile, job losses were noted in manufacturing and mining.

"August was the 66th consecutive month of private sector job growth with private employers having now created 13.1 million jobs since the beginning of 2010," said Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez. "The unemployment rate continues to fall, with August's rate at 5.1 percent, down from a year ago when it was 6.1 percent. That makes a full year below 6 percent, following more than six years (73 straight months) of an unemployment rate above 6 percent."

Jason Furman, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said eight million jobs have been added during the last three years -- a rate not seen since 2000.

Perez acknowledged that despite the gains, there are still households not experiencing income and living standards growth. According to Perez, many people are still struggling to find work, and many who are employed are "unable to get ahead" despite working harder than ever.

In separate statements, Furman and Perez called on Congress to increase the national minimum wage.

"It's also critical that workers have the ability to stand up and speak out for better wages, benefits and working conditions," Perez said.

"In my travels around the country over the last month, I've met with workers, employers and community leaders who are working together to build an economy that expands opportunity for everyone. They share the president's belief and my belief that we build a stronger nation through shared prosperity, that America is at its best when more people have more."

Among other ethnicities, the white unemployment rate declined to 4.4 percent, while the rate stood at 9.5 percent for the black community.

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