Latino Voters: Diverse People, Diverse Opinions

During the CNN/Tea Party Republican debate earlier this week, the question arose that many Latinos have been waiting to hear: “What are the candidates doing to attract Latino voters?” Given that this month is Hispanic Heritage Month, the timing of the question is especially pertinent.

The most interesting and contentious answers came from the current top two contenders, Governor Rick Perry of Texas and former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts. Their exchange revealed two very different, yet equally prominent views on one of the most important issues to Latinos in this country: immigration.

Perry — once considered the favorite by Tea Party groups for his stands on state’s rights, Social Security, spending and taxation — took a stance akin to President Barack Obama’s Dream Act, which is contrary to Tea Party ideals.

“If you’ve been in the state of Texas for more than three years, are working towards a degree, pursuing citizenship in the state of Texas, you pay in-state tuition,” Perry said. “It doesn’t matter the sound of your last name … and I’m proud to have them contributing members of society, rather than have them be on the government dole.”

Contrary to Perry’s beliefs, Romney stayed close to the historically mainstream Republican idea that eliminating the demand for illegal immigration will eliminate the problem.

Romney’s statement that immigrants “didn’t come here for a handout” reflects his concern that providing any form of welfare, higher education, or health benefit is not only unwanted but also provides incentives for increased illegal immigration.

Romney’s opinion towards the Latino population is seemingly summed up in the following statement he made during Monday’s debate: “What’s best for Latinos is what’s best for all Americans.” To Romney, those issues are the state of the economy and greater employment opportunities.

Previously, both candidates stated that there should be significant changes in the bureaucratic processes of the immigration system.  Since it currently takes, on average, five to 15 years to enter the country legally from Mexico, many Republicans believe this is the principal incentive for desperate, low-wage workers to risk crossing the border.

However, given the diversity within the Hispanic community – aside from those entering from south of the border, there are Cubans and Dominicans from the Caribbean, Puerto Ricans who already have American citizenship and the incredible fact, according to Pew Research Center, that 60 percent of all U.S. Hispanics were born in the country – it is no surprise to find diverse opinions on a range of issues, not unlike the current field of Republican candidates.

Which leads so many Latinos to ask the question, why, when asked about how to obtain the Latino vote, does the conversation so rapidly shift to immigration?

Whatever the opinion of presidential contenders, there is no single issue and no single opinion that unites Latinos.  As a diverse population, Latinos have opinions that are varied and broad.

Once presidential candidates figure this out, perhaps then they will be able to target the coveted “Latino vote.”