This is a report on a study on the status and opportunities of Hispanic Americans in the labor market. Chapter 1 describes the characteristics of the Hispanic American population as compared to the rest of the U.S. population, and examines how Hispanic experiences in the labor market differ from the experiences of other groups. Chapter 2 shows how the different subgroups comprising the Hispanic American population (Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Central and South Americans) vary in their characteristics and in problems encountered in the labor market. Chapter 3 reviews the literature on Hispanic Americans in order to explore the reasons for Hispanics' high unemployment rate and for their overrepresentation in low-paying jobs. It is suggested that, in general, the major causes of Hispanics' labor market problems are: (1) lack of proficiency in English; (2) low levels of formal schooling; and (3) discrimination in the labor market. Finally, chapter 4 examines two federally sponsored activities designed to improve the economic position of Hispanic Americans, namely, bilingual education programs, and training programs to develop skills required for employment. (Author/MJL)