CORTEZ: Entrepreneurship, Immigration Surge as Key Virginia Latino Voter Issues

Virginia’s independent and Hispanic votes remain critical during the next two elections locally and nationally.

Responsible candidates acknowledge the Hispanic community’s clout ensuring the victories of President Donald J. Trump and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. These same voters — who at present are breaking strong for Virginia Republicans — must not be overlooked by this year’s gubernatorial slate and others with respect to law and order, job creation, constitutional principles, and respecting the moral virtues of the deeply religious Hispanic community who take integrity seriously.

Such matters of interest were shared by Hispanic 100 Chairman Mario Rodriguez and myself with the Ambassador of Mexico, Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. while discussing plans for entrepreneurial advance, immigrant relations, and issues such as remittances.

Rodriguez chaired President Trump’s Hispanic Prosperity Commission in 2020 composed of 17 other national Latino figures such as GOYA food chairman Bob Unanue.

As part of the commission, I take pride in recognizing the patriotism and resolve of President Trump regarding immigration and eradicating the cartel plague on our nation along with “top cops” such Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares and his successful “One Pill Can Kill” program working to curb the opioid epidemic.

Actions by top Virginia Republicans including Republican gubernatorial candidate Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears are reinforced by Newsweek’s Jordan King emphasizing surging support for Trump’s immigration and deportation program against violent criminals present in the country illegally.

Polling of 1,500 individuals conducted by the firm Cygnal in early July suggests over 60 percent of voters stand behind the administration’s deportation actions of the those present in the country illegally, with Hispanic voters voicing notable support by over 50 percent — with 53 percent of support among black voters and 65 percent among white voters.

Moctezuma agreed in the need for a continuing dialogue with Mexican and American officials in view of international events and action caused by documented and undocumented members of the Hispanic community across the United States. Notable was Moctezuma’s citing Mexico’s 70 percent drop in fentanyl use and the fact 29 drug lords had been extradited to the U.S. to face prosecution.

He reiterated his and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s focus for adherence to the laws of Mexico and the United States along with examining an increase of immigrants needed for ranching, seasonal hospitality, and seafood industries critical to Virginia and nationally.

Moctezuma cited the Trump administration’s need to look at interdependence of assets and personnel noting that “Mexico produces 40 thousand engineers a year.”

The Trump tariff issue was discussed with the ambassador desiring a greater use of Mexico as a buffer against fiscal abuses by China on U. S. markets.

Rodriquez cited Hispanic 100’s concern over the DACA/Dreamer issue with a discussion for an ongoing dialogue, stating that he, “(t)hinks Trump can offer a permanent solution with structural change.”

Moctezuma a direct descendent of the former emperor of Mexico during the Aztec siege by a distant Spanish relative of my own named Hernan Cortes, remained well versed to the historic confliction of Mexico by immigrants and transnational issues.

The effects of history between our two nations are still being felt by second and third generation decedents of the 1942-64 Bracero guest worker program in the United States. Hispanic 100 has been sensitive to their plight, including them in their national mentoring program and as part of their yearly scholarship program.

“American’s entrepreneurial spirit is advanced only through education and Hispanic 100 promotes outreach regardless of historical actions insensitive to the Latino community at large,” stated Rodriquez.

Trump recently shortened President Obama’s open enrollment time for those brought to the U.S. illegally as children whereas the Biden administration caused enrollments to increase to an all-time high.

Credit the Trump administration’s action recognizing fraudulent enrollments costing taxpayers billions.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares pulled no punches indicating his feelings about such issues and illegal actions by the undocumented. A child of an immigrant, Miyares echoed their critical importance discussing immigration.

“America is an incredibly generous country where we allow a million legal immigrants a year into the United States. But for those who are cutting in line or those coming in illegally, and are committing violent crime, they’re going to face the consequences.” Miyares emphasized.

My uncle, Raul Cortes, the twice chairman of the League of United Latin American Citizens which is the largest and oldest Hispanic and Latino American civil rights organization in the nation, along with my father worked for several decades to improve conditions for the immigrant community directly with Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy and their administrations.

President Trump keenly recognizes the importance of an industrious law-abiding immigrant community.

Not to be ignored are Virginia’s large veteran community who remain particularly vigilant acknowledging immigrant actions and our aid to Israel recently against Iran.

Thus, individuals such as 9-term congressman Rob Wittman, Vice Chair of House Armed Forces Commission’s well-established record of supporting national defense priorities of the Trump administration endear him to voters in the First Congressional District.

In contrast 7^th District Congressman Eugene Vindman’s liberal loyalties were displayed when along with his brother, both were both sacked from their jobs with the National Security Council and escorted out of the White House proper.

Such loyalty to the nation and the Commander in Chief and should surface shortly in the upcoming 7^th District race and as former Marine Corporal and business owner Earle-Sears shows her contrast against former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in the contest for Virginia Executive Mansion.

Strengthening legal immigration and ending the lawlessness of the Biden-era immigration system remains an imperative — not just for Americans writ large but the Hispanic community in particular. Clear and consistent dialogue with and among Hispanic leaders — from organizations such as Hispanic 100, with Mexican officials to end the lawlessness, and with effective state leadership from individuals such as Earle-Sears, Miyares, Wittman, and Youngkin — all help advance the Trump agenda and the national interest.

DANIEL P. CORTEZ of Stafford County is a presidential and gubernatorial appointee, political writer and broadcaster who can be reached at [email protected]