Inauguration Day Sets the Tone: Trump’s Vision for America Leaves Immigrant Communities Behind
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Voto Latino, the national organization dedicated to empowering Latino communities through civic engagement, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s inauguration speech. His address outlined a continued, harmful agenda that targets immigrant families and reinforces divisive rhetoric, reflecting what these communities can expect under his renewed leadership.
“Once again, we hear the same dangerous rhetoric that demonizes our communities and paints them as threats, rather than recognizing the vital role they play in the fabric of our nation. During his speech, Trump reiterated harmful stereotypes about immigrants while making disparaging comments that perpetuate fear and division.
His criticism of policies such as “catch and release” demonstrates a disregard for fundamental principles of justice, including the right to due process and a fair day in court for individuals seeking asylum or relief in the United States.
The rhetoric used today ignores the economic realities of their contributions. Immigrants contribute billions of dollars annually to our economy, pay taxes, and create jobs. In fact, immigrant-owned businesses employ millions of Americans and are vital to the economic health of countless communities across the country.
Immigrants are not the enemy—they are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Instead of vilifying them, we should be working together to create an immigration system that reflects our shared values of fairness, dignity, and opportunity.
Voto Latino stands with immigrant communities and calls on policymakers to reject these harmful policies and instead focus on comprehensive immigration reform that ensures due process, keeps families together, and recognizes the undeniable contributions of immigrants to the United States. We will continue to fight for a future where all individuals are treated with respect and afforded the rights they deserve.”
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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latino voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Since its founding, Voto Latino has registered over 1.4 million voters, mobilized tens of thousands of voters in the 2022 midterms, helping to defeat the so-called “red wave” and keep the Senate majority-Democrat. In 2024, Voto Latino filed several lawsuits to defend voting rights in Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina ahead of the elections.