President Joe Biden’s proposal for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants aims to secure support from Latino voters in key states for the upcoming election, contrasting with former President Trump’s green card suggestion.
Biden’s Immigration Moves Target Latino Voters Ahead of Election
President Joe Biden’s recent immigration relief efforts are anticipated to bolster his support among Latino voters in key battleground states. This demographic is critical for the upcoming November general election.
Biden’s proposal offers a pathway to citizenship for roughly half a million undocumented immigrants who are married to or adopted by U.S. citizens, promising significant changes for these families. This move contrasts with former President Donald Trump’s podcast statement where he suggested giving green cards to all foreign nationals graduating from U.S. colleges, a proposal that would likely need Congressional approval.
Polling data from Equis, collected between April and May, reveals that only 38% of Hispanic voters trust Biden and the Democrats on immigration, while 41% trust Trump and the Republicans. Latino voters’ primary concerns include broken promises by Democrats and harsh measures from Republicans.
A UnidosUS poll conducted in mid-May indicated that 53% of Latino voters prioritize a citizenship path for long-term undocumented immigrants, while 42% focus on “Dreamers”, immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors. Enforcement concerns include cracking down on human smugglers and enhancing border security.
Despite the excitement around Biden’s announcement, its success remains uncertain, especially considering past legal challenges such as those faced by the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program.
Trump’s suggested green card initiative, widely criticized and needing strict vetting processes, aligns with business interests but may not significantly impact Latino voter opinions. Meanwhile, the constant public debate on immigration underlines the broader desire for a fair and comprehensive immigration system.
