250 Latino Leaders Urge Trump, Congress to Grant Protections for Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 29
250 Latino Leaders Urge Trump, Congress to Grant Protections for Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 29
Summary
More than 250 Latino leaders signed a letter pressing President Trump and Congress to provide work permits and legal protections for long-term undocumented immigrants living and working in the United States.
Several conservative and evangelical figures joined Democratic signatories, including former Republican National Hispanic Assembly chair Massey Villarreal and NHCLC president Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, underscoring a cross-ideological appeal.
The letter argues Hispanic voters will be pivotal in the 2026 midterms and says respect for the community requires delivering long-sought protections for immigrants who have paid taxes and contributed for decades.
It also cites the summer killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine by ICE officers, using the cases to sharpen its call for urgent action.
The appeal reflects shifting Hispanic politics: voters moved toward Republicans in 2024, but polls now show growing dissatisfaction with the party ahead of the midterms.