OPINION:
Luis R. Guevara’s Op-Ed column “GOP needs new approach for Hispanic vote” (Nation, Wednesday) raises important issues for all Republicans to consider. While I strongly disagree with the suggestion that the Republican Party needs to support amnesty to appeal to Hispanic voters, we can find points of agreement.
Republicans can successfully appeal to Hispanics - both native-born and legal immigrants - by focusing on the fundamental values of patriotism, the rule of law, freedom, family, education and support for small businesses and jobs. It’s what President George W. Bush did in 2004, when he received 40 percent of the Hispanic vote. His Spanish-language ads focused on values and small-business issues, not on immigration.
The Republican Party should stand up for citizens and legal immigrants alike. We must not allow Democrats to insult hardworking legal immigrants and citizens with hollow proclamations about “jobs Americans won’t do.” Any honest job is a worthy job, and any available job should go to a citizen or legal immigrant.
Republicans should not buy into the falsehood that Hispanics care about only one issue. The William C. Velasquez Institute found that only 1.6 percent of Hispanic voters in 2008 considered immigration to be the most important issue in picking a president. Fifty-seven percent said the economy and jobs were most important.
Hispanics look to us for leadership on issues that affect every aspect of American life - jobs, health care, taxes, national security, schools and the environment. If we talk to Hispanic voters about small government, conservative values and American ideals, it will bind us instead of divide us and strengthen the Republican Party.
REP. LAMAR SMITH
Ranking member
House Judiciary Committee
Washington
Please read our comment policy before commenting.