Latinos Give White House Mixed Marks on Immigration, Health Care
Latinos Give White House Mixed Marks on Immigration, Health Care
Plurality Would Repeal Health Care Law
(Washington, D.C.) – According to recent polling, Latinos continue to have concerns regarding the impact ofthe president’s unilateral action on immigration, and remain split on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Despite the attempt to win Hispanic support through measures that were promoted as favoring the Latino community, many are clearly dissatisfied with the lack of action by the White House on their priorities, particularly on the economy. Not enough are sharing in the benefits of economic growth, as Hispanics continue to lag behind in wealth creation. Many recognize the need for a legislative approach on immigration. Additionally, the low rating for the health care law comes just as the Medicaid reimbursement cuts enacted in the ACA are about to go into effect. According to the latest poll by Fox News:
Only 55 percent of Latinos approve of the job President Obama is doing with regard to immigration – against 39 percent who disapprove;
While 66 percent favor the recent immigration changes made by the Obama Administration, 64 percent say it is somewhat or very likely to lead to increased undocumented immigration, and 57 percent say the unilateral action may permanently alter the nation’s system of checks and balances;
Just 46 percent of Latinos say they would vote to preserve the Affordable Care Act, against 48 percent who would repeal it; and,
More Hispanics say they have been hurt by the law than helped – by a margin of 18 percent to 13 percent – while a majority still say it has no impact at all.
Jorge Lima, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
“Hispanic families remain worried about the economy, but it is a concern that falls on deaf ears in Washington. Too many are living paycheck to paycheck, while struggling to pay for groceries, education, health care, and other necessities. They are not fooled by elected officials who claim to be responding to their concerns – but who are actually playing politics.
The president’s unilateral move is no substitute for the sort of legislative immigration reform Latinos are calling for. While many welcomed the relief, the Hispanic community is not blind to the potential negative impacts of the president’s actions – it is temporary, leaves many out, may be overturned in court, and may encourage more immigrants to enter or remain in the U.S. in violation of our laws. This is a serious problem – one that was foreseeable and should have been avoided. If the president wants to earn and keep the support of the Latino community, he needs to start truly listening to their concerns and seek bipartisan solutions.”
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.
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