Immigration Reform A Key Factor in Elections

A major issue in this week’s midterm elections is immigration reform. The immigration reform issue not only affects the Southwestern states, but nearly every state in the Union. Candidates on both sides of the aisle have made immigration reform part of their talking points. While some have attempted to entice Latino voters with their stances, others have tried to appeal to powerful anti-immigration groups.

Immigration Reform Important to Latino Voters

A poll by the group Latino Decisions showed that two-thirds of the respondents listed immigration reform among the most important issues they considered before casting their votes. Nearly 5,000 Latino voters responded to the poll, which was sponsored by pro-immigration reform groups. Latino voters were a key constituency that helped President Barack Obama gain the White House in 2008 and win re-election in 2012, primarily due to his stances on immigration reform.

Immigration Reform Issues Important Around The U.S.

While concerns over immigration reform have taken center stage in states like Texas and Arizona, many of the other states across the country have their own concerns about undocumented immigrants. A report from the Pew Hispanic Center shows that there are 55,000 undocumented immigrants in Missouri and 65,000 in Kansas. Latino voters are expected to be a major factor in the U.S. Senate race in Colorado between incumbent Democrat Mark Udall and Republican challenger Cory Gardner.

Latino Group “Disappointed By Both Parties” Regarding Immigration Reform

Despite the history of most Latino voters overwhelmingly selecting Democratic candidates, some groups in favor of immigration reform are warning both parties not to take their choices for granted. Irene Caudillo, president and chief executive of the Kansas City-based Hispanic community group El Centro, stated that she and her member “have been disappointed by both parties” due to their lack of direction on immigration reform. However, she still called on Latino voters “to make sure they do have their voices heard” on Election Day.

Immigration Reform Personally Affects Many Latino Voters

The Latino Decisions poll also revealed how immigration reform carries a personal impact on many Latino voters. The poll showed that 58 percent of respondents personally knew an undocumented immigrant. Forty-five percent of respondents said that immigration reform is the most important issue facing their communities, even more so than health care reform, education or the economy. Whether such immigration reform measures will include citizenship processes for undocumented immigrants, or stricter regulations regarding their status, will be decided at the ballot box and during the next Congress in January.

Sources: KCTV, Huffington Post 

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