Who will Latinos Vote for?

President Barack Obama sat down for an interview with Latino news outlets in attempts to gain Latino voters. He answered questions about immigration reform and addressed many Latino issues. Polls show that he is decreasing in approval ratings from that demographic. He began by stating that we are a nation of laws but also of immigrants. President Obama expresses that immigrants have strengthened America’s economy and culture. He believes that there needs to be a system that works for everyone. Border Security is something that has been enforced but the people who are here should have a “pathway to get out of the shadows and contribute to society in a way that is compatible with tradition of everyone being responsible and following the law.” He stated that illegal immigrants would have to pay a fee and do things such as learn English. Democrats are in favor of Comprehensive Immigration Reform but because the Senate is Republican majority the President can’t get this reform in action. Under his Presidency America has been fair, humane, and as just as possible with illegal immigrants. Many immigrants have businesses and Obama wants to make sure that they are being given their opportunities. They will have tax breaks to be able to hire more workers and expand their business. Statistics show that the unemployment rate is at 11% for Latinos and his goal is to get the economy growing and get people back to work. President Obama has created more than 2 million jobs but so many were lost that there is still this recovery process. His infrastructure projects would create a lot of jobs and give jobs to Latinos. The Job Bill would expand the gross domestic product with 1.9 million people with jobs, which would significantly decrease the unemployment rate. The Latino college enrollment rate has increased significantly under his presidency and there is much more money being given to students in college. Obama has a plan of bringing manufacturing back to the United States in areas such as vehicles in creating more efficient cars. He also plans on a growth industry in technology. Obama desires young people to be trained and equipped for the future. Latino students are a large growing group and he views us as the workforce of the future.

Click to view the roundtable interview:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/26/obama-answers-questions-latino-webcast_n_981639.html

The GOP has also tried to reach out to the Latino community in hopes to get us to vote Republican this 2012 election. Rick Perry has visited New York and met with Latino business people in hopes of gaining public outreach. Rick Perry’s view on immigration is that the border needs to be secured but not by a wall but rather with Rangers patrolling. When it comes to education he believes that immigrant kids need to be educated and that there be discounted in state tuition regardless of immigration status. Mitt Romney’s views on immigration are quite the opposite to that of Rick Perry’s. Romney believes that there should be a 2,600-mile fence with guards to secure it. He also does not believe immigrants should get free tuition. The Democratic point of view differs vastly from the Republicans when it comes to Latino voters and how to gain their acceptance. This all leads to the important decision Latinos have to make on this upcoming election.