19 OCT 2021

Latino Political Power on Display with Growing Actions to Demand Lasting Protections for Undocumented Immigrants

Washington, DC — As Democrats in Congress work to move forward the Build Back Better legislation before the end of the year, leading Latino voices and organizations are working together to demand lasting protections for undocumented immigrants via the reconciliation package. Co-organized by the Hispanic Federation, LULAC, UnidosUS, and Voto Latino, and joined by Latino advocates, leaders and allies across the country, including the Immigration Hub, several activities are launching this week with this clear message. This includes grassroots mobilizations, a letter released by the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) and signed by more than 40 organizations urging Congress to pass strong protections for immigration, and a press conference tomorrow at 12:00 PM ET at the House Triangle of the U.S. Capitol with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

The Latino vote is critical to winning in 2022, ‘24 and future elections, and immigration continues to be a top priority for Latino voters. While Republicans have made gains with Latino voters, particularly in battleground states and congressional districts, Democrats have an opportunity to redefine their Party among Latino voters by delivering on their long unfulfilled promise - immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship and lasting protections for undocumented immigrants. Democrats will need to galvanize this key voting bloc if they hope to win in 2024 and beyond.

Below is a statement from Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub:

“If politicians have learned anything in the last election, it’s that Latinos are a political force to be reckoned with. They are not the ‘sleeping giant’ of yesteryears, but rather wide-awake voters looking carefully at what party will finally deliver promises that will allow their communities and families to thrive. Democrats must energize this critical electorate, and delivering on immigration can galvanize Latinos.

“From Arizona to Georgia, Latino voters have contributed to clinching Democratic wins. It’s no coincidence that both parties in Virginia's gubernatorial race are battling for Latinos, who may very well become the deciding factor in such a tight race.

“If Democrats hope Latinos will show up at the ballot box for them, they will have to prove they’re willing to walk the talk on immigration. Poll after poll has shown that the issue remains a top priority for Latinos, most of whom are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. An estimated 26 million Latinos likely live with an undocumented person. Protecting their loved ones from deportation, and repairing our broken immigration system is a deeply personal issue that will influence whether Latinos decide to show up on Election Day.

“Our country stands at a crossroads with a clear path away from the cruel anti-immigrant policies endorsed by Republicans which are rooted in xenophobia, racism and the debasement of immigrants and people of color. Yet the decision on which direction to take ultimately rests on the courage and moral strength of congressional Democratic leaders, who need to remember that Latinos and a majority of the American people are demanding the right path; one that leads to lasting protections and citizenship and that aligns with our values. Democrats need to take a decisive step now in this direction or risk losing the trust and the vote of the Latino community. This week, Latino leaders and organizations representing millions across the country are making their view crystal clear: the time for deliberation is over.”

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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.