Latinos for Trump

The snowfall was still fresh as I walked through New Hampshire, knocking on doors before the Democratic Primary in February. My canvassing partner was a Colombian born student who started his studies abroad, but decided to finish his education in the U.S., now participating as an active member of the Harvard College Democrats.

In an election that has contested what it fundamentally means to be American, the afternoon was more than simple civic duty. It felt more like an attempt to survive in and protect the America that insists it is for all, including us—two Latino men with immigrant backgrounds.

This election’s anti-immigrant sentiments and xenophobia have been terrifying. The Republican nominee, Donald Trump, kicked off his campaign by calling Mexicans rapists and criminals. Then, when the move gained him political points, he continued the rhetoric. He questioned Judge Curiel’s ability to uphold the law because of his Mexican heritage, although Curiel was born in Indiana and is as American as Trump himself. And, in a pitiful attempt to save his image, he posted a picture of himself saying he loved Hispanics, the only evidence being a taco bowl.

Donald Trump has made a successful campaign out of questioning American multiculturalism, making Latino individuals question if they have a space in today’s America. The American Dream brought our families here, but who is allowed to dream is questionable after this election. By attacking both undocumented Latinos and Latinos with birthright citizenship, it seems incomprehensible that there would be any Latinos for Trump.

But looking at Hillary Clinton and the Democratic party reveals that there would be understandable reason for more Latinos to support the Republican Party. Hillary Clinton has pandered by claiming that she is like my abuela—which she sure as hell isn’t. Her interventionism as Secretary of State has led to turmoil in Honduras, and she's in large part responsible for the influx of unaccompanied Central American children to the United States.

To top things all off, leaked e-mails from the DNC refer to Latinos as nothing more than a “brand” to be “acquired” — as if a whole community of Americans is nothing more than a collection of votes on the way to the presidency. This mythologized Latino monolith continues to erase the fact that the political, cultural, and social realities of Latinos in the United States are wildly diverse.

The political system will only work for those who are present, and Latinos have been missing from the important roles that sustain our democracy. Only six percent of the members of Congress are Hispanic. There are only three Latino senators in office. There are far fewer Hispanics eligible to vote in the first place, and those who are eligible to vote have lower turnout rates as well. This disengagement is not always conscious. Poverty and inflexible working-class job schedules are known to deter individuals from voting and being involved in the political system, and Latinos are more likely to find themselves in these situations. When Election Day becomes a choice between taking time to support a party that sees you as no more than a vote or working another hour to put food on the table, the choice is clear.

There is no way of getting the representation this country needs without helping those who have no entrance into the process. Starting at the local level, programs need to be set that build these bridges into the system. Predominantly Latino high schools could offer after school sessions on voting and community organizing for students who don’t hear about how to get involved while at home. The possibilities are endless, but it is essential that political systems on the local, state, and federal level take steps to include all Americans as more than just a voting bloc.

Democracy should work for all, not just those who can afford to be involved. When more of the most influential political seats are held by Latinos, there can be an accurate, diverse understanding of what it means to be Latino—and, in turn, an accurate representation of the political spectrum of the “Latino voter.” The assumed allegiance to a certain party will finally disappear, and politicians and their parties will finally have to face the reality that latinidad encompasses conservatives, liberals, and everyone in between.

This election season, the idea of Latinos for Trump may seem ridiculous, but the way limited representation has led to polarizing political parties for Latino voters, touting Latinos for Romney or McCain still seems bizarre. As much as we may disagree with the policies of those across the aisle, democracy works best with differing opinions. When Latinos are granted equal access into the process, these perspectives can thrive and both parties can begin to see us as not just Latinos for Trump, or Latinos for Clinton, but rather Latinos for Democracy and Latinos for America.

Ruben E. Reyes Jr. ’19, a Crimson editorial writer, lives in Leverett House. His column appears on alternate Wednesdays.