Contrary to the notion that most Americans live in about America remaining the ‘˜wealthiest nation’ in the world, the U.S economy has been facing severe crisis in the recent years. Millions of Americans each year are falling prey to this crisis and finding themselves under the grip of poverty. Americans have been facing difficulties in meeting basic costs ever since the recession had struck and trying to cope with increasing costs of food, housing and child care.

The U.S Census Bureau defines the Poverty Line in America as a family of 4 who have an earning of less than $23,021 (family comprising of 2 adults and 2 children).

Some facts about poverty in USA are:

Statistics from a survey conducted in 2011 revealed that approximately 46.2 million Americans live under the defined Poverty Line.

Unemployment is increasing with each passing year and approximately 4 out of 5 Americans face unemployment or near poverty conditions having to rely on social welfare to survive.

President Barrack Obama has tried to renew his administrative policies emphasising more on economic policies and programs that can help in providing more opportunities for the citizens.

The policy of Affirmative Action has been focused upon to increase racial diversity in all sectors for a more wholesome development and improving of the economy in every sector and reducing economic disparities.

On a positive note, in spite of the fact that certain racial minorities are worst affected by the poverty and unemployment, census reveals that there has been a steady narrow-down of the racial disparities since the 1970s.

Adequate measures must be taken soon because it can prove to be detrimental to America’s future generations. About 40% of the children living under poverty have the chances of developing learning disabilities owing to this reason. Children from these families also have a higher dropout rate being forced to join other means of employment in order to support their families financially.

About 31 % of people who have a high school diploma live in poverty as compared to a lower percentage (24 %) for people who finished high school.

Unlike popular notion, poverty in America is not just restricted to the African American or Hispanic communities but Whites as well. Approximately 19 million whites have been estimated to fall below the defined poverty line.

Food insecurity has been a major issue and a problem being dealt with in 29.2 percent of all African American households.

Approximately 500 billion dollars each year is spent by the US Government in welfare programs and efforts made to alleviate poverty.

Half of the incomes earned by about 20.2 million Americans are spent on housing and other related finances.

In 2013, Forbes ranked Detroit as the most miserable city to live in America due to high rates of crime, unemployment, plummeting housing prices, which has led to a growing percentage of people migrating out of the city.

Statistics revealed by the US Census Bureau mentions Texas and Brownsville as the poorest state and metro city while San Jose was ranked as the wealthiest metro area of the US. The survey was conducted on the basis of highest and lowest median incomes.

Contrary to popular belief worldwide, USA has her own share of poverty to deal with. Through the various poverty alleviation programmes, the US government is trying to cut down on the population living under the poverty line.