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

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

Dangerous.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

Enhancing.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

Nice.

Kevin, 32, Ga., unbiased, occasion supervisor

Unpredictable.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

Higher.

Abigail, 49, Sick., Republican, corrections

Rocky.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, unbiased, trainer

Conflicted.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, data know-how

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, unbiased, trainer

Any time I attempt to get any data from both facet, I really feel there’s not all the time a variety of credible data or I don’t get the entire image. My husband’s facet of the household is one get together, my facet of the household is a unique get together, and my husband and I aren’t significantly both. I attempt to get all the knowledge, nevertheless it’s very tough 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 imagine the tariffs put in a extra equitable commerce with these nations who’ve for therefore a few years have taken benefit of the united statesA.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

My largest concern is the price of simply primary wants. Within the time that I’ve began working, going to highschool, I’ve seen the costs of all the pieces bounce 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 assume we’re anyplace 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 flexibility to do what you wish 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. Once I wished to open a small enterprise, it took me simply two days to take action. You’ll be able to’t try this all over the place.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

There’s a variety of alternative right here that you wouldn’t be capable of get in some other nations.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, unbiased, trainer

Each of my grandfathers got here from overseas. I’ve been in a position to 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, Sick., 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’ll be able to say what you need. You are able to do what you need. However what are you keen 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 wish to go go to one other city, I can try this. I feel that is the best nation on the planet, although one factor that may stifle freedom is each April 15, now we have that silly I.R.S. that now we have 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. Will probably be higher. Proper now, we’re simply within the midst of figuring it out and making an attempt to get via one downside at a time.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

The whole lot could be very unsure proper now. The tariffs, they could work. I’m not saying they gained’t. However in case you have a look at the price of all the pieces proper now, basic 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 provide them a greater future?

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

I feel future generations might be higher off. When my mother and father got here right here from Puerto Rico, they reaped what they sowed. They left me and my sister cash, they usually’re nonetheless dwelling. I’m going to do the identical factor for my youngsters. I’m going to go away them double the quantity. For those who’re not doing something and worrying that issues are going to be unfavorable, then you definitely’re not going to get nowhere. You bought to hustle in the US.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

By no means. No, I don’t assume they worth what I worth. I’m very conservative. There’s simply a variety of chaos. Persons are misplaced.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

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

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

We’ve a superb president. If Congress will simply get behind him and again him up, I feel there’s a variety of good he may do for us.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

Smug.

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

Aggressive.

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

He’s not a pushover.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, data know-how

Uncensored.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

Resilient.

Kevin, 32, Ga., unbiased, occasion supervisor

Unpredictable.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

You’ll be able to’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 straight, I consider what I can management. I’ve issues to do, obligations. So if it’s not affecting me straight, I don’t give it some thought that a lot.

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

Numerous issues that he does and says creates both a optimistic within the inventory market or a unfavorable. 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 nervous about whether or not he’s going to do one thing that’s going to shock the inventory market.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, unbiased, trainer

Kamala Harris had flip-flopped on a variety of points. Once I regarded into her historical past, I felt like she form 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, Sick., Republican, corrections

I positively went with Trump. I used to be glad that he was working once more. Listening to Kamala, whenever you really pay attention, as a result of there’s a distinction between listening and listening to, she didn’t make any sense in anyway.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, data know-how

It was fairly simple to determine to vote for Trump. My family is usually 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 simple choice for me, too. I believed Trump had us getting in the fitting route earlier than. Underneath the previous administration, I used to be very nervous for my grandchildren as to what was going to occur to them. I felt like nothing was protected, nothing was sacred.

Abigail, 49, Sick., Republican, corrections

I misplaced two friendships of over 20 years over this. It was simply heartbreaking. However I used to be in a position to have dialogues with different folks that had completely 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 dangerous as a result of he was going to rock the boat. That rubbed me the incorrect manner. I don’t like the best way he speaks, like his vocabulary, his verbiage and a few 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 once I modified to Republican, I felt like I did the fitting factor.

Kevin, 32, Ga., unbiased, occasion supervisor

I feel he did manner higher in his first time period as a result of I bear in mind throughout that point, everyone had cash of their pockets. This time round, he made a variety of guarantees. He promised that he was going to finish the Russia-Ukraine struggle the primary day. He hasn’t carried out that. He mentioned he was going to chop the navy funds in half. He hasn’t carried out that. So he simply talked loads, and he has made a variety of guarantees. I voted for him, and I’m form of upset that a variety of the stuff that he mentioned he was going to do, he hasn’t carried out 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 feel he’s finally going to make properly on all the pieces he mentioned. Nevertheless it’s simply not going to occur in a single day. Rome wasn’t inbuilt a day. We simply bought to provide it a bit bit extra time. I’ve seen main adjustments 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 carried out loads already. Has it been clean? No. However I feel that he’s seen that 4 years go by actually shortly. And when you must undergo the hoops of approval from Congress and so forth, you bought to start out doing issues shortly. 4 years go by actually quick. As soon as the snowball begins taking place 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 observe via. I imply, he’s speaking about securing our border. I’m huge on securing the border. Not huge on the deportation facet of it, however he’s carried out what he’s mentioned he’s going to do.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

Oh, positively. 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 carried out. The second time period, he got here in realizing 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 after appeared fairly reasonably priced now appear nearly unattainable. A good trip prices an amazing deal. However I imagine, in time, it can stability itself out. Proper now, we’re simply on a bit shaky floor financially.

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

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

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

It might be loads 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., unbiased, 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 not possible 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 greater than what salaries can sustain with. You go to the grocery retailer, it’s loopy. I’m in California, so fuel costs — loopy. I feel we’re hurting. I feel the economic system is admittedly dangerous.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, data know-how

It looks like a curler coaster. I noticed it most once 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 the planet. We’re going to get what he desires finally. If these companies do come again, we’re going to have excessive costs for a bit bit, nevertheless it’ll finally come down as a result of he’s going to provide them credit to have them coming again to the US. If mortgage charges come down, that’ll assist. Economies are dangerous 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 desires 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 via one other president.

Abigail, 49, Sick., Republican, corrections

I’m a Dave Ramsey particular person. I do know him and Trump had an interview. I set short-term targets, long-term targets. Nevertheless it’s only a matter of a mind-set of steward our cash.

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

Mike Bloomberg. He did some good 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 decide 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 feel 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 in fact, that may be cool.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

I additionally like what Marco Rubio has carried out. If he continues with that, if he runs for president, he’s bought my vote on the subsequent time period. I personally hope that there’s a manner that they may discover, after what they’ve carried out to Trump, that they may discover a method to get Trump again in for an additional time period. If he’s nonetheless sound of thoughts, I feel our nation goes to simply increase out of this world.

Kevin, 32, Ga., unbiased, occasion supervisor

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

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, data know-how

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

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

I take into consideration alternative. That is America, and you must hustle and work, sure, but in addition, generally, if somebody doesn’t have some great benefits of being given cash from their mother and father who had been profitable, then it’s onerous to even have any alternative. Minimal wage, for instance — it’s unrealistic to assume you may stay 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, unbiased, trainer

I feel a superb way of life is having these monetary desires which might be attainable. I have a look at my mother and father, who don’t personal a house. And it’s very onerous for them to, despite the fact that they each work. It’s simply not reasonably priced proper now. I have a look at my husband — someday, we want to purchase a house. However that doesn’t really feel significantly attainable sooner or later. Alternative shouldn’t be simple. It’s one thing you must work for. You must obtain. However you additionally need these items to be one thing to sit up for really reaching sooner or later, not a burdensome fear about whether or not it’s even attainable.

Christopher, 28, Pa., Republican, data know-how

I feel it’s very aggressive and intimidating. I can simply think about how pissed off and terrified folks could be you probably have ICE coming into your classroom and “Oh, you’re being deported.” Possibly there’s a greater method to deal with these immigration points. It’s very daring. I comply with a sure extent along with his insurance policies, however but you must have some form of understanding of what these individuals are going via. 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 dangerous guys. Now all I’m listening to about is folks getting dragged out of labor areas, building websites. I don’t actually assume that that’s the place the dangerous guys are at. These are folks which might be working, serving to the economic system. If anyone has gone via any immigration course of, they’ll perceive that it’s not a simple 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 via 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. Numerous 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 via that concern proper now and realizing that something may occur to their mother and father — it’s form of demanding to me at the moment proper now.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

We wish to say we’re a land of alternative. We wish to help immigration, however we will’t simply let everyone in. It’s not like I wish to shut the door on the longer term generations, however there must be a course of. You must undergo it the fitting manner. After which whenever you do get right here, you must contribute. You must 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 basically 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 displaying that they’re folks in society price protecting, proper? They’re not the dangerous 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 change into 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 they usually don’t take the chance or dedicated against the law, they didn’t respect the chance, OK, deportation might be on the desk.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

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

Jeanette, 42, Fla., Republican, administrator

Everyone has their very own story and what they’ve gone via or different folks that they know have gone via. And my circle, everybody’s come right here legally. The undocumented staff, they do contribute. Sure, they pay hire, their tax contribution by buying. However on the opposite finish, whenever you’re not right here legally and let’s say you want well being care, and emergency care is offered beneath federal legislation — you must see that particular person, 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 examine. How do they know that they’re unlawful?” And so they say, “Oh, no, I’m a citizen.” After which they nonetheless form of deport them. You see all this faux information. I don’t know what to imagine anymore. However I feel it’s been about proper.

Angela, 58, Calif., Republican, enterprise proprietor

I agree with Jeanette. That’s very properly mentioned. My largest concern previously administration — what number of terrorists walked via our borders? And can we all know? Or we gained’t discover out till there’s one other 9/11 that a lot of them had been beginning cells throughout our nation, they usually all got here in over the past administration. However we gained’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 People.

Meranda, 28, Idaho, unbiased, trainer

A few of these people who find themselves being put in these horrible locations, we haven’t really proved that they’re dangerous folks. That’s the place I really feel prefer it’s going a bit bit too far. If we imagine 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 try this to different folks. I’m OK with deporting people who find themselves terrorists or have carried out terrible issues. I simply really feel now we have to know for certain 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 will even perhaps die or be handled awfully.

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

The dangerous folks that must go must go. I don’t really feel dangerous for them. However separating households, these individuals who got here via the fitting channels to be right here — to see what’s taking place to them, it’s coronary heart wrenching.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

I feel one of many largest points for the Democrats was that — and I feel that’s the rationale they misplaced a variety of the Hispanic vote — they’ve promised many reforms for immigration for years. They promise, promise, promise. And nothing ever bought carried out. I feel the final president that did one thing about it was Ronald Reagan. Sure, do away with the dangerous folks. The terrorists, anyone that’s right here to do hurt to any People, get them out of right here. However in case you’re already right here, it’s like, I get it — you already broke the legislation. However in case you’re right here being good to society, there must be one thing that we will do to get this problem solved.

Jose, 45, Ind., Republican, transportation

That’s true.

Esteban, 22, Texas, Republican, corrections

I usually keep away from telling anyone who I’m voting for as a result of I don’t wish 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 wish 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 assume they’re going to observe via 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 assume I do.

Joe, 69, Colo., Republican, retired

Yeah, I get so drained after 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 assume 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 assume any candidate needs to be catering to any ethnicity at this level, as a result of in case 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, data know-how

I feel it’s a really low-cost trick simply to get a plus 1 on the get together that’s doing it. It’s form of giving manner for racism nearly, favoritism. America first, folks collectively. We help one another as a complete nation and never simply a person half. That’s simply — it’s not inclusive of everybody as a complete. It’s simply not truthful.

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 gorgeous salad. It appears fairly. However a variety of that stuff by no means comes true.

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

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

Meranda, 28, Idaho, unbiased, trainer

I have a look at what every particular person stands for. Every candidate goes to be so completely different. I might 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 certain subsequent time.” I’m simply open to seeing what every particular person has to supply and the way seemingly they’re to ship.

Kevin, 32, Ga., unbiased, occasion supervisor

Yeah, I agree. I think about myself extra unbiased. I voted Democratic earlier than. I voted Republican. In order of now, I don’t like several Democrat. You recognize 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 form 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 in all probability proceed. I form of like their technique. I like the place they’re going. I really feel just like the Democrats are too left.