Opinion | Immigration, Trump and the Economy: 11 Latino Voters Discuss

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

Dangerous.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

Bettering.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

Nice.

Kevin, 32, Ga., impartial, occasion supervisor

Unpredictable.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

Higher.

Abigail, 49, In poor health., Republican, corrections

Rocky.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

Conflicted.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

Skeptical.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

Unsafe.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

Worrisome.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

Fearful.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

Any time I attempt to get any info from both aspect, I really feel there’s not all the time numerous credible info or I don’t get the entire image. My husband’s aspect of the household is one social gathering, my aspect of the household is a unique social gathering, and my husband and I aren’t significantly both. I attempt to get all the data, but it surely’s very troublesome as a result of everyone’s so biased or so radicalized a method or one other.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

I mentioned issues had been going nice as a result of I consider the tariffs put in a extra equitable commerce with these nations who’ve for thus a few years have taken benefit of the united statesA.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

My greatest concern is the price of simply fundamental wants. Within the time that I’ve began working, going to high school, I’ve seen the costs of all the pieces soar up. I voted for Donald Trump initially as a result of he promised to assist the working class, however from what I’ve been seeing, I don’t suppose we’re wherever near seeing any profit from the insurance policies.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

We’re one of many only a few nations the place you actually have the power to do what you need to do. The nation doesn’t actually cease you. I can say what I really feel, and I’m not going to get killed or arrested. If you wish to get a greater job, there’s alternatives to take action. After I wished to open a small enterprise, it took me simply two days to take action. You possibly can’t do this all over the place.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

There’s numerous alternative right here that you wouldn’t have the ability to get in every other nations.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

Each of my grandfathers got here from overseas. I’ve been capable of see each of them make higher lives for his or her households that they weren’t able to the place they had been born.

Abigail, 49, In poor health., Republican, corrections

Sure, it’s a land of alternative. I served 20 years within the navy. My brother’s occurring 31. We deployed collectively. The entire America factor, it’s patriotism, it’s a land of alternative. You possibly can say what you need. You are able to do what you need. However what are you prepared to sacrifice to get there?

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

America is free. I can go for a stroll in my city, and I really feel protected, I be at liberty. If I need to go go to one other city, I can do this. I believe that is the best nation on this planet, although one factor that may stifle freedom is each April 15, we’ve that silly I.R.S. that we’ve to take care of. I hope Trump can take care of it and do away with it with the tariffs.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

Expertise is advancing. It is going to be higher. Proper now, we’re simply within the midst of figuring it out and attempting to get by way of one drawback at a time.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

All the things may be very unsure proper now. The tariffs, they could work. I’m not saying they received’t. However in the event you have a look at the price of all the pieces proper now, staple items, are you able to guys think about what it’s going to be like in 10 years? Nationwide debt, what’s it going to be like in 10 years? What are we really doing for our youngsters to present them a greater future?

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

I believe future generations shall be higher off. When my dad and mom got here right here from Puerto Rico, they reaped what they sowed. They left me and my sister cash, and so they’re nonetheless dwelling. I’m going to do the identical factor for my youngsters. I’m going to go away them double the quantity. When you’re not doing something and worrying that issues are going to be adverse, you then’re not going to get nowhere. You bought to hustle in the US.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

In no way. No, I don’t suppose they worth what I worth. I’m very conservative. There’s simply numerous chaos. Persons are misplaced.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

I’m additionally very conservative. I’ve a deep religion. And I believe our non secular freedoms are being eroded away. However I’m optimistic. I believe issues might change.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

We’ve a superb president. If Congress will simply get behind him and again him up, I believe there’s numerous good he might do for us.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

Boastful.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

Aggressive.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

He’s not a pushover.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

Uncensored.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

Resilient.

Kevin, 32, Ga., impartial, occasion supervisor

Unpredictable.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

You possibly can’t miss it. It is all around the information. Social media. It is all over the place.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

To me, if it doesn’t have an effect on my life immediately, I think about what I can management. I’ve issues to do, tasks. So if it’s not affecting me immediately, I don’t give it some thought that a lot.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

Lots of issues that he does and says creates both a constructive within the inventory market or a adverse. So folks like me which might be retired, we’re not trying to lose an excessive amount of cash. So it’s within the forefront for me as a result of I’m all the time fearful about whether or not he’s going to do one thing that’s going to shock the inventory market.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

Kamala Harris had flip-flopped on numerous points. After I regarded into her historical past, I felt like she type of simply went wherever she thought was going to get her someplace. I felt like she wasn’t all the time clear as to the motion she was going to take, the pledges she was going to make. We additionally didn’t vote for her to be a candidate. Between her and Trump, I went with the one which I believed would hopefully give my son a greater life.

Abigail, 49, In poor health., Republican, corrections

I undoubtedly went with Trump. I used to be pleased that he was working once more. Listening to Kamala, if you really hear, as a result of there’s a distinction between listening and listening to, she didn’t make any sense in any respect.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

It was fairly straightforward to resolve to vote for Trump. My family is generally Republican, and it was my first election. I felt like we’d have been in turmoil.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

It was a fairly straightforward determination for me, too. I believed Trump had us getting into the proper route earlier than. Below the previous administration, I used to be very fearful for my grandchildren as to what was going to occur to them. I felt like nothing was protected, nothing was sacred.

Abigail, 49, In poor health., Republican, corrections

I misplaced two friendships of over 20 years over this. It was simply heartbreaking. However I used to be capable of have dialogues with different people who had totally different views, and a few of them that had even the identical views however had disagreements. So it was tough.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

Yeah, as a union member, I’ve all the time voted Democratic. My complete life. If anyone’s been a union member, they all the time let you know to vote Democratic. When Trump first bought elected, I simply felt like everybody wished him out so unhealthy as a result of he was going to rock the boat. That rubbed me the mistaken means. I don’t like the way in which he speaks, like his vocabulary, his verbiage and a number of the phrases that he makes use of. However on the finish of the day, he’s doing extra within the first couple of months than Joe Biden did in 4 years. So after I modified to Republican, I felt like I did the proper factor.

Kevin, 32, Ga., impartial, occasion supervisor

I believe he did means higher in his first time period as a result of I keep in mind throughout that point, everyone had cash of their pockets. This time round, he made numerous guarantees. He promised that he was going to finish the Russia-Ukraine battle the primary day. He hasn’t completed that. He mentioned he was going to chop the navy price range in half. He hasn’t completed that. So he simply talked so much, and he has made numerous guarantees. I voted for him, and I’m type of disenchanted that numerous the stuff that he mentioned he was going to do, he hasn’t completed but. I simply bought my power invoice raised out of nowhere, and I haven’t modified how a lot I devour.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

I believe he’s ultimately going to make effectively on all the pieces he mentioned. Nevertheless it’s simply not going to occur in a single day. Rome wasn’t in-built a day. We simply bought to present it slightly bit extra time. I’ve seen main modifications since he’s been in versus the peak of the migrant scenario in New York Metropolis.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

It’s been about what I anticipated. He’s completed so much already. Has it been easy? No. However I believe that he’s seen that 4 years go by actually rapidly. And when you need to undergo the hoops of approval from Congress and so forth, you bought to begin doing issues rapidly. 4 years go by actually quick. As soon as the snowball begins happening the hill, it’s going to go quicker.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

I voted for Trump as a result of he’s highly effective. He’s smug, however he’s highly effective. He says, “I’m going to do that. I’m going to do that. I’m going to do that.” And I really feel like he’s going to comply with by way of. I imply, he’s speaking about securing our border. I’m large on securing the border. Not large on the deportation facet of it, however he’s completed what he’s mentioned he’s going to do.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

Oh, undoubtedly. I really feel like in his first time period, he wasn’t a politician. He was a businessman coming into the political area. The way in which the Democrats went after him, I really feel like his time was spent simply defending himself for 4 years as an alternative of getting work completed. The second time period, he got here in figuring out precisely what to anticipate. He’s simply on a roll.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

It’s not going good. Costs are going up. No one’s paychecks are actually going up. Issues that when appeared fairly reasonably priced now appear nearly unattainable. A good trip prices a terrific deal. However I consider, in time, it is going to stability itself out. Proper now, we’re simply on slightly shaky floor financially.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

I don’t suppose anyone can put a time stamp on it. I simply want it’d be sooner reasonably than later.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

It could possibly be so much worse, however you used to have the ability to purchase steaks. We’re all hoping these tariffs and all the pieces work. However will they? When?

Kevin, 32, Ga., impartial, occasion supervisor

I purchased a home throughout Trump’s first time period. Rates of interest had been low. These days, if you wish to purchase a home, it’s nearly unimaginable as a result of curiosity is simply hitting you within the head. I hope it will get higher. I voted for him as a result of I believed the economic system was nice earlier than Covid.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

Inflation is rising larger than what salaries can sustain with. You go to the grocery retailer, it’s loopy. I’m in California, so fuel costs — loopy. I believe we’re hurting. I believe the economic system is actually unhealthy.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

It looks like a curler coaster. I noticed it most after I bought a discover that a few of my 401(okay) had dropped as a result of the tariffs began. It’s an aggressive play. It’s very daring. I simply hope all the pieces performs out because it’s supposed.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

We’re one of many largest client bases on this planet. We’re going to get what he needs ultimately. If these companies do come again, we’re going to have excessive costs for slightly bit, but it surely’ll ultimately come down as a result of he’s going to present them credit to have them coming again to the US. If mortgage charges come down, that’ll assist. Economies are unhealthy all around the world proper now. We’re nonetheless doing higher than different nations.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

He has a superb plan. The issue is that he’s going to be gone in three and a half years. So these companies, he needs them to construct factories right here, create jobs right here and construct right here and purchase right here. However when he leaves workplace, are they going to proceed? As a result of that’s some huge cash to construct a manufacturing facility to make vehicles. They bought to know that it’s going to proceed by way of one other president.

Abigail, 49, In poor health., Republican, corrections

I’m a Dave Ramsey individual. I do know him and Trump had an interview. I set short-term objectives, long-term objectives. Nevertheless it’s only a matter of a mind-set of how one can steward our cash.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

Mike Bloomberg. He did some sensible issues when he was elected. He has a sensible thoughts for enterprise.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

I like Marco Rubio. I hope he runs after Trump.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

I like his insurance policies. He was my first choose earlier than Trump in 2016. I’m so glad that Trump put him on, as a result of now he will get the extent of expertise wanted because the secretary of state and he’ll make these connections worldwide. I believe he’s simply primed for that place, even over JD Vance. And I’m not saying it as a result of he’s Hispanic, however after all, that may be cool.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

I additionally like what Marco Rubio has completed. If he continues with that, if he runs for president, he’s bought my vote on the following time period. I personally hope that there’s a means that they might discover, after what they’ve completed to Trump, that they might discover a option to get Trump again in for an additional time period. If he’s nonetheless sound of thoughts, I believe our nation goes to only increase out of this world.

Kevin, 32, Ga., impartial, occasion supervisor

Safer, higher roads. Higher infrastructure. Folks not going broke as a result of they’ve gotten sick.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

Feeling assured about your funds, having quick access to well being care, discovering issues reasonably priced, simply accessible, not caring on what’s going to occur along with your cash tomorrow. Security. Simply having a superb and powerful assist system.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

I take into consideration alternative. That is America, and you need to hustle and work, sure, but additionally, generally, if somebody doesn’t have the benefits of being given cash from their dad and mom who had been profitable, then it’s exhausting to even have any alternative. Minimal wage, for instance — it’s unrealistic to suppose you could possibly reside off of that. We want extra social mobility. People who find themselves on the underside keep on the underside. Let’s assist strengthen our weakest hyperlinks economically.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

I believe a superb lifestyle is having these monetary goals which might be attainable. I have a look at my dad and mom, who don’t personal a house. And it’s very exhausting for them to, although they each work. It’s simply not reasonably priced proper now. I have a look at my husband — in the future, we wish to purchase a house. However that doesn’t really feel significantly attainable sooner or later. Alternative is just not straightforward. It’s one thing you need to work for. You need to obtain. However you additionally need this stuff to be one thing to look ahead to really reaching sooner or later, not a burdensome fear about whether or not it’s even attainable.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

I believe it’s very aggressive and intimidating. I can simply think about how pissed off and terrified folks can be when you’ve got ICE coming into your classroom and “Oh, you’re being deported.” Possibly there’s a greater option to deal with these immigration points. It’s very daring. I comply with a sure extent together with his insurance policies, however but you need to have some type of understanding of what these individuals are going by way of. It’s simply very complicated proper now.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

What’s occurring proper now, it’s very aggressive. When he ran, the principle concern was the unhealthy guys. Now all I’m listening to about is folks getting dragged out of labor areas, building websites. I don’t actually suppose that that’s the place the unhealthy guys are at. These are folks which might be working, serving to the economic system. If anyone has gone by way of any immigration course of, they’ll perceive that it’s not a straightforward course of to undergo. We’ve to do one thing for the individuals who have been right here a very long time and who’re good for society. The final administration, they only let anyone in. It was like a slap within the face to everyone that was going by way of the immigration course of in the mean time. Anyone that’s been right here from different generations is aware of nothing was ever handed right down to any of us. Lots of our households lived within the shadows for a few years till we grew to become authorized and stuff like that. Seeing folks and their children going by way of that concern proper now and figuring out that something might occur to their dad and mom — it’s type of hectic to me right now proper now.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

We need to say we’re a land of alternative. We need to assist immigration, however we will’t simply let everyone in. It’s not like I need to shut the door on the long run generations, however there must be a course of. You need to undergo it the proper means. After which if you do get right here, you need to contribute. You need to play your half. What I’m towards is an unsecure border, the place everyone’s simply coming in and everyone’s getting that authorities support. That was the factor that actually upset me. However now everyone that’s being deported — they’re contributing to their work websites. They’ve made a life right here. They’re exhibiting that they’re folks in society value preserving, proper? They’re not the unhealthy guys. So why are we eliminating them? Why are we treating them as such? They’re already in and have been within the U.S. Let’s get that course of rolling for them to turn out to be a citizen. Let’s reform the method of what it means to get your citizenship, make it simpler for many who will contribute. That’s what you want, people who find themselves going to contribute to society. And guess what. If folks immigrate from different locations and so they don’t take the chance or dedicated against the law, they didn’t respect the chance, OK, deportation could possibly be on the desk.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

I’ve to begin proper initially: In the event that they got here right here illegally, they broke the regulation. They don’t belong right here. I’m all for anyone who needs to return to the US. Come right here. However undergo the channels. Come right here legally, then turn out to be a productive member of society. Don’t get on meals stamps, welfare, Medicaid and all that stuff.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

All people has their very own story and what they’ve gone by way of or different people who they know have gone by way of. And my circle, everybody’s come right here legally. The undocumented staff, they do contribute. Sure, they pay lease, their tax contribution by buying. However on the opposite finish, if you’re not right here legally and let’s say you want well being care, and emergency care is offered underneath federal regulation — you need to see that individual, whether or not it’s documented or undocumented. That’s the place the price of an unlawful immigrant begins costing the economic system of that space. What you see within the media is like, “Oh, they’re eliminating folks with out even doing a background verify. How do they know that they’re unlawful?” They usually say, “Oh, no, I’m a citizen.” After which they nonetheless type of deport them. You see all this faux information. I don’t know what to consider anymore. However I believe it’s been about proper.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

I agree with Jeanette. That’s very effectively mentioned. My greatest concern prior to now administration — what number of terrorists walked by way of our borders? And can we all know? Or we received’t discover out till there’s one other 9/11 that lots of them had been beginning cells throughout our nation, and so they all got here in over the past administration. However we received’t discover out as a result of they’re taking their time constructing their bombs or doing no matter as a result of they hate Individuals.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

A few of these people who find themselves being put in these horrible locations, we haven’t really proved that they’re unhealthy folks. That’s the place I really feel prefer it’s going slightly bit too far. If we consider within the American justice system, the place individuals are harmless till confirmed responsible, why are we treating these folks this manner and simply assuming as a result of they’ve tattoos or due to one declare? We wouldn’t do this to different folks. I’m OK with deporting people who find themselves terrorists or have completed terrible issues. I simply really feel we’ve to know for positive earlier than we traumatize their youngsters, earlier than we put them in a spot that we will’t get them again, a spot the place they’ll maybe even die or be handled awfully.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

The unhealthy people who have to go have to go. I don’t really feel unhealthy for them. However separating households, these individuals who got here by way of the proper channels to be right here — to see what’s occurring to them, it’s coronary heart wrenching.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

I believe one of many greatest points for the Democrats was that — and I believe that’s the explanation they misplaced numerous the Hispanic vote — they’ve promised many reforms for immigration for years. They promise, promise, promise. And nothing ever bought completed. I believe the final president that did one thing about it was Ronald Reagan. Sure, do away with the unhealthy folks. The terrorists, anyone that’s right here to do hurt to any Individuals, get them out of right here. However in the event you’re already right here, it’s like, I get it — you already broke the regulation. However in the event you’re right here being good to society, there must be one thing that we will do to get this challenge solved.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

That’s true.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

I usually steer clear of telling anyone who I’m voting for as a result of I don’t need to get into the dialog of politics. However any time I’ve ever been there, “Oh, you’re going for Trump? He doesn’t like Mexicans.” In order that they’re going to inform us all the pieces that we need to hear. I felt that extra so from the Democratic Celebration this time. “We’re going to do that for the minorities — this and that and this and that.” For one, I don’t suppose they’re going to comply with by way of with what they’re saying. Nevertheless it additionally looks like I lose my significance as a person and what I care about versus what they suppose I do.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

Yeah, I get so drained once we hear these politicians catering to Hispanics, Latinos. I’m Hispanic. I’m a Latino. Don’t cater to me. Simply cater to folks. I don’t suppose they should cater to Blacks or whites or anyone. We’re human beings. Simply cater to the human beings. Do what’s going to be proper for all folks, not only a sure group of individuals.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

I don’t suppose any candidate ought to be catering to any ethnicity at this level, as a result of in the event you’re voting, you’re clearly a U.S. citizen. You’re not Mexican anymore. You’re an American. So if something, cater to the American folks. Don’t go after folks due to their ethnicity or regardless of the case could also be.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, info expertise

I believe it’s a really low cost trick simply to get a plus 1 on the social gathering that’s doing it. It’s type of giving means for racism nearly, favoritism. America first, folks collectively. We assist one another as an entire nation and never simply a person half. That’s simply — it’s not inclusive of everybody as an entire. It’s simply not honest.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

I’ve been a Republican for some time now. I’m going with most of their views, not each single factor, not all the pieces. Democrats have phrase salad. It’s a bunch of phrases thrown collectively. They make a fantastic salad. It appears fairly. However numerous that stuff by no means comes true.

Adrianna, 53, N.Y., Republican, customer support

After they opened the borders, simply let anyone come. They saved that, and it gave them a cushion. However something for the American folks, no. No. Completely not. I can’t consider the final time certainly one of them adopted by way of on one thing that benefited us.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, impartial, trainer

I have a look at what every individual stands for. Every candidate goes to be so totally different. I’d have wished Nikki Haley in 2024. I wouldn’t have picked Trump out of all of them. I do know different folks produce other opinions on that. However the identical factor, if there’s a Democrat who has higher insurance policies in place than a Republican, I’m going to be open to that. I don’t essentially say, “Oh, I’m going to vote Democratic for positive subsequent time.” I’m simply open to seeing what every individual has to supply and the way probably they’re to ship.

Kevin, 32, Ga., impartial, occasion supervisor

Yeah, I agree. I think about myself extra impartial. I voted Democratic earlier than. I voted Republican. In order of now, I don’t like every Democrat. You realize what I imply? However for the Republicans, I like two or three. I like Thomas Massie, Rand Paul and Josh Hawley. I’m extra of a libertarian type of man. Proper within the center.

Guillermo, 66, N.Y., Republican, U.S. Postal Service

2024 was the primary time I ever voted for a Republican. Within the subsequent election, I’ll most likely proceed. I type of like their technique. I like the place they’re going. I really feel just like the Democrats are too left.