On a press call and webinar held today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) joined with Latino Victory Project President Cristóbal J. Alex, Sylvia Manzano, Principal at Latino Decisions, and Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, to discuss the findings and implications of new polling exploring Latinos’ views on DACA and the ongoing debate over Dreamers.
** Toplines Crosstabs Deck Call audio/recording **
Sylvia Manzano, Principal at Latino Decisions, highlighted some of the key poll takeaways of the nationwide poll of Latinos. Latinos overwhelmingly back Dream Act passage, oppose the announced end of DACA, 91% of Latinos want Congress to pass a Dream Act with path to earned citizenship, 84% think Congress should attach the Dream Act to budget resolution this year, 79% of Latinos opposed the move to end DACA, and 87% want Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for the broader undocumented immigrant community.
The Dream Act debate will have major political implications in the 2018 midterms. When presented with a congressional candidate who either supported or opposed the Dream Act, Latinos overwhelmingly choose candidates who support the Dream Act – even Republicans: 88% more likely to support a Democrat who supports Dream Act (64% strongly), 77% more likely to support a Republican who supports Dream Act (29% strongly), 61% LESS LIKELY to support a Democrat who opposes Dream Act (45% strongly), 77% LESS LIKELY to support a Republican who opposes Dream Act(57% strongly).
On the call, Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said, “Hispanic voters’ support of Dreamers is unequivocal. Every Member of Congress – Democrat and Republican – should look at these poll results as their guiding light. The Hispanic community will remember those who protected the futures of nearly 800,000 young patriots as they enter voting booths in upcoming elections. Key to them will be whether or not their elected representative supported an earned path to citizenship for Dreamers and comprehensive and just reforms to our immigration system. We urge our colleagues in Congress to support the bipartisan effort behind the Dream Act and call for its immediate passage without delay.”
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said, “For obvious reasons, the Latino community feels deeply alienated by President Trump and that has rubbed off on the Republican party, as the poll makes clear. But, the poll also reflects an opportunity for the Republicans to regain the confidence and trust of Latinos. That is why we are asking Democrats and Republicans to join us in supporting the Dream Act and signing a discharge petition that would bring the legislation to the floor for a vote. If put to a vote, we believe it will pass.”
Cristóbal J. Alex, President of Latino Victory Project, said, “Trump has managed to fall short even of our lowered expectations of him, and he’s taking the Republican Party down with him. Seventy percent of Latinos think Republicans are either hostile to Latinos or don’t care about Latinos. We believe that the DREAM Act will have an enormous impact during the 2018 midterms. Latinos will support candidates who back the DREAM Act and will oppose those against it. This is Donald Trump’s Proposition 187 moment. He is becoming the greatest Latino organizer in American history.”
Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, said, “Dreamers are Americans, and the American people want them to be formally and finally recognized as such. Proposals that deny or delay citizenship, seek to use Dreamers as bargaining chips, or abridge rights and opportunities afforded to other immigrants are contrary to who we are and how we have practiced immigration for hundreds of years. Congress should pass a clean Dream Act. It’s straightforward, bipartisan and enjoys majority support in both chambers of Congress.
Resources
- Toplines are available here
- Crosstabs are available here
- The slide deck is available here
- A recording of today’s event is available here
