14 MAY 2021

Experts Discuss New Latino Voter Poll Results on Immigration and How Democrats Can Seize the Opportunity to Swing Battleground Voters

**Click here for a recording of the press conference**

WASHINGTON, DC— During a press conference today hosted by the Immigration Hub, Janet Murguia, President of UnidosUS Action Fund and pollsters Matt Barreto and Stephanie Valencia discussed how President Biden and Democrats have an opportunity to galvanize Latino voters on immigration and go on offense against Republicans, setting the foundation for major gains in 2022 and 2024. 

Recently released survey of Latino voters across battleground states found that Latino voters support President Biden’s immigration policies and Democratic proposals to create a new pathway to citizenship for immigrant communities. Results additionally reveal Democrats can shore up and energize the Latino vote by delivering on immigration solutions, but must also better define their position and Republican obstruction efforts. 

Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub said, “It is critical that President Biden and Democrats continue to articulate their immigration policies and priorities to the American public, especially to Latino voters. Gaining their support will be consequential in 2022 and 2024 in key battleground states– and this is exactly why Democrats cannot be silent or inactive on immigration. We cannot afford to waste time with Republicans as they continue to politicize the border and try to drag us back to the cruel policies of the past administration. This is the year and now is the moment for our country to make bold progress towards building a just and humane immigration– starting with passing an earned pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers and other essential workers.”

Janet Murguía, President of UnidosUS Action Fund said, “The opportunity is there now for leaders to act boldly with Latino voters that are calling for immediate action on immigration reform. Let’s be clear: this polling also reveals that Latino voters will remember next November who took action on this very important issue, and who stood in the way of progress– regardless of party affiliation.”

Matt Barreto, Founding Partner and President of BSP Research said, “This polling of Latino voters in battleground states and districts shows clear evidence that Latinos strongly support the Biden immigration agenda. Latino voters are frustrated with the 30 years of failed efforts to fix our immigration system, and there is an opportunity for Democrats to shore up Latino support by doubling their outreach and contrasting their plan for immigration reform with the Republican plan for obstructionism.”

Stephanie Valencia, Co-Founder and President of EquisLabs said, “Based on our research with focus groups and polling, we’re seeing a higher sense of urgency and greater demands for action on the issue of immigration. Democrats cannot take these words lightly. It is critically important that there is movement on this issue– beyond DACA– so that Latino voters know that Democrats stood in their corner and prioritized immigration reform. As we move beyond COVID recovery and the economy gets going, Latino voters will become more focused on what Democrats have done for their communities and what they have done on immigration. With this being such a threshold issue and differentiating factor for Latino voters, Democrats simply cannot take this lightly and must act now.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.