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Latinos Consistently Supportive of Immigration Enforcement

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Latinos Consistently Supportive of Immigration Enforcement 

(Washington, D.C.) – Although it is not always recognized, polls show that Latinos – like other Americans – strongly support improved enforcement of immigration laws and enhanced border security. According to a survey by Pew, nearly 70 percent of Latinos supported increased enforcement of immigration laws even before the increased attention to border issues this year. A survey by FWD.us puts the number even higher – with 78 percent supportive of stronger border security, and comparable levels of support for a visa tracking system and e-verify. Most recently, Pew's survey on immigration this month shows enforcement remains a top goal – with 15 percent of Hispanics rating better border security as the top priority on immigration, and an additional 42 percent regarding both it and a path to citizenship as equal priorities. (In this survey, 41 percent of Hispanics say that creating a path to citizenship should be the top goal.) 

Rachel Campos-Duffy, National Spokesperson for The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement: 

"Extremists on both sides of the political spectrum have political reasons for perpetuating the myth that Latinos don't care about border security and that the only issue we care about is legalization. Border communities tend to be heavily Hispanic – it's no surprise they view security as a priority issue. We want immigration reform that addresses immigrant flow and status as well as protects our homeland from those who wish to harm us. That means sensible and achievable control of our borders. In an increasingly dangerous world, serious measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of American citizens.
 
We are not unlike other Americans in our concerns. Like our neighbors, we are frustrated and dissatisfied with an administration that has broken promises and done little to lift people out of poverty and into the middle class. In the last few years, it feels like the American Dream has gotten more out of reach than ever. Though Hispanics have strongly supported the president, they have seen their family incomes decline – and 2 million more Hispanics have fallen into poverty since 2009. And while they want reform, the possibility of unilateral action – which the president and his allies have been promoting for months – makes it harder to build a consensus in Congress for bipartisan measures." 

Through the ESTAMOS CONTIGO (We are With You) campaign for immigration reform, The LIBRE Initiative is providing an avenue for constituents to reach out to their Senators and Representative in Congress to work together to pass immigration reform legislation that is employment-based and market-driven. Read more about LIBRE's Statement of Principles on Immigration Reform

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173

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