U.S. News
Gen Z Faces Barriers to American Dream
Clear Facts
- Youth unemployment is at 10.4%, more than double the national average.
- Housing costs have increased by 47% since 2020, making homeownership difficult for young Americans.
- Harvard Youth Poll reports 56% of young Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
Young Americans were brought up to believe that hard work and education would provide a pathway to the American Dream. However, the rising cost of living and limited job opportunities now hinder that promise.
For many in Gen Z, stable employment and affordable housing are becoming dreams rather than attainable goals. Youth turnout dropped in the last election, with 58% of younger voters unsure about participating, citing economic disconnect from both major parties and a lack of younger candidates.
“When a hardworking 26-year-old with a degree and two jobs still can’t afford an apartment without a roommate, they don’t blame capitalism — they blame the policymakers and executives who engineered an economy they can’t enter.”
Many young people observe wage stagnation, fewer job openings, and a challenging housing market affected by multinational firms and policies favoring foreign labor through programs like H-1B.
“They see corporations lobbying to expand the H-1B pipeline under the false claim of a ‘worker shortage,’ knowing it suppresses wages and slows innovation.”
In 2024, Gen Z men favored Trump by a 14-point margin, supporting an America First agenda and policies that prioritize American workers over identity politics.
There is growing frustration as Republican leaders focus on cultural issues while ignoring rising costs, wage challenges, and barriers to homeownership impacting the younger generation.
“Anyone calling Gen Z entitled should try entering today’s housing market on a $48,000 salary while competing with foreign labor and cash-rich corporate buyers. The deck is stacked against them, and it’s obvious it’s exclusionary.”
The average first-time homebuyer is age 40 now, unlike previous generations who built stability much earlier.
If the Republican Party wishes to secure young support, it must offer policies that improve wages, tighten misuse of H-1B visas, invest in American talent, and reclaim the first-home market for citizens.
“This generation is ready to work hard, build and dream. The real question is whether Republican leaders have the courage to build a country that finally believes in them.”
Americans know hard work should pay off. Policies must reflect that principle so the next generation can achieve the American Dream.
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