A group of leaders from five Latino and immigrant rights organizations came together on Friday to condemn former President Donald J. Trump’s immigration proposals. They expressed concerns that his plans would constitute constitutional overreach, result in mass racial profiling against Latinos, and pose a threat to democracy.
In a recent Time magazine interview, Mr. Trump referred to the influx of migrants at the southern border as an “invasion” and outlined his intentions for a large-scale deportation operation if re-elected later this year.
María Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, emphasized that there is no one correct way to be American or to appear American. She criticized Mr. Trump and his supporters for sending the wrong message to Hispanic voters.
The leaders, representing Voto Latino, UnidosUS Action Fund, Mi Familia Vota, America’s Voice, and Latino Victory Project, announced a joint investment of $50 million. This significant funding is aimed at mobilizing Latino support for President Biden and other Democrats in preparation for the upcoming November election.
During a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the leaders highlighted their determination to prevent another Trump presidency. They criticized Mr. Trump for his divisive rhetoric against Mexicans and immigrants, which they believe has only escalated over time.
Héctor Sánchez Barba, president of Mi Familia Vota, labeled Donald Trump as the primary adversary of the Latino and immigrant communities, as well as a threat to fundamental democratic principles.
In response to these criticisms, Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for the Trump campaign, asserted that Mr. Trump distinguishes between legal immigrants and those exploiting Biden’s border policies. She cited support from immigrants for Trump’s stance against the border “invasion.”
While Latino voters predominantly lean Democratic, Trump saw an improvement in his performance among Hispanic voters in 2020, particularly in regions like South Florida and South Texas. Some analyses suggest that his opposition to pandemic restrictions and support for Latino businesses influenced some voters, despite disagreements over his immigration policies.
Latino Republicans and leaders from conservative Hispanic organizations argue that Trump’s appeal to the Hispanic community stems from a lack of trust in the Biden administration to handle border issues.
Alfonso Aguilar, director for Hispanic engagement at the American Principles Project, stated that Hispanics support immigration but also prioritize law and order. Conservative groups are launching multimillion-dollar campaigns to reach out to Latino voters.
At the Washington press conference, Voto Latino and other organizations challenged polls suggesting a close race between Trump and Biden, as well as surveys indicating increased Latino support for strict immigration measures. They cited misinformation in Latino communities and highlighted the need to educate voters on important issues.
Their mobilization efforts aim to inform Latino voters about the Biden administration’s actions that benefit their community, such as providing health care to undocumented immigrants through the Affordable Care Act. They believe that once Latinos understand the impact of hardline immigration policies, their attitudes will shift.
