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November 5, 2024 was the presidential election in the United States. The results showed the resounding victory of former president Donald Trump against his rival Vice President Kamala Harris. But something was even more unexpected. Among the votes in favor of Donald Trump, 43% were from the Latino population. Compared to the 2016 election, where he only got 29% support from the same group, this is an incredible increase. A surprising outcome, which some have called a “coup,” this perhaps proves the opposite of what Latinos believed about Donald Trump less than 10 years ago. Perhaps their perspective had changed, or what was a factor that led to their decision to vote for him?
“In my opinion, many Latinos are attracted to Trump’s policies because they prioritize their American identity over their ethnic identity,” Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) Math Fundamentals teacher Mrs. Priscilla Berndt said. “They are exercising their rights and their American thinking as they choose their candidate.”
Many Latinos, just like most Americans in general, appreciate safety in their communities and see Trump’s policies on immigration as a move toward tighter control and reduced crime. In his previous term, the number of immigrants has continued to increase, but it was slower than in previous years. His policy of increasing temporary rather than permanent visas was reflected in this decline, plus refugees admitted were 65% fewer between 2016 and 2019 compared to Obama’s terms. Latinos and Latin Americans seem to agree that criminals should be sent back to their home countries. However, the vast majority do not agree that families who have lived more than 15 years in the country should be separated or returned. Although many people think that nothing much changed (such as Trump’s first-term promise to “build a wall” separating the U.S. from Mexico) and that so many people still came in during the Trump administration, it’s important to remember that undocumented immigrants cannot legally vote, whereas those that become citizens and go through the immigration process according to the law, are the ones contributing to this increase in pro-Trump support.
“I think Trump’s immigration and security [rules] may appeal to some Latino voters because they emphasize national security and immigration control, which appeals to stability and job protection,” CHHS English teacher Ms. Marcy San Martín said. “However, these policies may also generate uncertainty and fear among many Latinos, especially those who are in the process of regularizing their immigration status.”
Since job protection is important to working Americans of all backgrounds, so is a thriving economy. Inflation is a fact that bothers not only Americans but Latinos as well. Expensive food, energy and housing bills are of great concern to immigrants as much as those born in the U.S. In 2022 the rate of inflation was only 9%, but this number kept growing to 20% in 2024. This played against presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s Democratic campaign, which focused less on this problem than Trump. One promise was the deciding factor. Trump used the inflation problem to drive his campaign. He proposed policies such as increasing domestic energy production and reducing electricity prices, which won over many voters.
“Trump’s economic [priorities], such as tax cuts and deregulation, generate mixed opinions in the Latino community,” Martin said. “Some may benefit especially entrepreneurs, while many vulnerable communities rely on welfare programs or public services that could be cut, affecting their economic stability.”
Relevant figures in the Latino community publicly supported Trump as well, influencing the vote of sectors historically opposed to the Republican party. Specifically, Latino artists like Puerto Rican singer Anuel AA and singer and songwriter Justin Aquiles, of Puerto Rican descent, both appeared at an assembly in Pennsylvania last August on the campaign trail. They mentioned that Trump was the best leader the United States has ever had and that he promised to help improve the situation in Puerto Rico. Thus, both called for all Puerto Ricans to vote for him. Finally, the Venezuelan singer Nacho was also seen present in an election campaign for Donald Trump.
“The new administration is expected to prioritize a more inclusive and balanced immigration policy, improving resources for programs such as English Learners (EL) and simplifying the work visa process,” Martín said. “It also seeks more dialogue and empathy towards Latino communities, with the goal of equality for all citizens. A more accessible approach to work visas could attract more immigrants legally and contribute to the stability of the country.”
The notable increase in the Latino vote in favor of Trump reflects a complex reality. Opinions and priorities within the Latino community in the United States are diverse. There are several reasons behind this decision, including factors such as security and migration, economic issues and the aspiration for political change that resonated with numerous voters. As the people and the country move forward, leaders of all political beliefs will need to listen and connect with the different Latino communities and segments regardless of their voting history. Only through an authentic approach and genuine engagement will political parties be able to gain the trust and support of this influential community in the electoral future.
