Donald Trump has made notable inroads in gaining support for the Republican Party among Latino Americans. Now that he is the President of the United States, I hope to see him implement policies that benefit Latinos and all Americans. Early in his presidency, I was not among his supporters, but he won me over during the COVID era. His focus on issues like cartel violence, the effects of undocumented immigration on housing, reducing regulations for small businesses, and promoting tax cuts resonated deeply with me. As he returns to office, fulfilling these commitments will be critical to meeting the expectations of Latino Americans who supported him.
Shifting the Latino Vote: Cartel Violence and Immigration Policy
Traditionally, Democrats have secured Latino support by emphasizing immigration reform and accusing Republicans of being anti-immigrant. However, Trump’s firm stance against cartel violence has started to shift that narrative. The Democratic Party’s focus on immigration without addressing the root causes, like cartel influence in Latin America, has alienated some Latino voters. Today, we have unprecedented access to information, and many of us witness the brutal atrocities of cartels through our smartphones. This makes the Democrats’ reluctance to take a hard stance against organized crime seem disconnected from reality.
For instance, dismissing Republicans as racist for discussing cartel violence and its links to illegal immigration misses the mark. Trump’s messaging has emphasized eliminating cartel violence and working with Latin American nations, like Perú and El Salvador, to achieve this goal. By addressing the root causes of migration, Trump has an opportunity to slow undocumented immigration effectively, rather than offering temporary fixes like lenient immigration laws.
Housing prices have skyrocketed, creating a nationwide housing crisis, and undocumented immigration has exacerbated the issue. Increasing demand for housing—particularly affordable housing—due to undocumented populations has strained resources for citizens and legal residents. Democrats have avoided addressing this, but Trump can champion a more realistic approach that benefits all Americans.
Supporting Small Businesses and the American Dream
Small business ownership is another area where legal migrants, particularly Latinos, thrive. My father, a migrant from Peru, is a prime example. He built a small business and earned his American citizenship through hard work. Stories like his highlight the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Trump can reignite the American Dream by removing unnecessary fees and simplifying the process of starting a business. The U.S. economy desperately needs rejuvenation, especially after the missteps of Joe Biden’s presidency. While business ownership has grown under Biden, much of that growth can be attributed to the simplified tax code passed during Trump’s first term. By revising the tax code further and streamlining the corporate tax process, Trump could create an unprecedented boom in small business development.
A Need for Permanent and Fair Tax Reform
While Trump’s tax changes benefited corporations, the temporary nature of the personal income tax cuts was a missed opportunity. Moving forward, his proposals to abolish the IRS or eliminate the income tax altogether, though ambitious, would be transformative. A more practical step, however, would be simplifying the tax brackets to three or four, with a maximum marginal rate of 5%. A permanent increase to the standard deduction would especially help low-income families who don’t itemize.
The tax code is overly complicated, and Trump must prioritize its overhaul, ensuring simplicity and fairness for all Americans.
The Path to Success
If Donald Trump secures another term, he has the potential to significantly impact the nation—particularly for Latino Americans. However, he must deliver on his promises to cement their continued support. While he can pressure Congress to act, Americans have little trust in the legislative branch. For Trump to succeed, he must not only push Congress but also inspire bipartisan cooperation to prioritize Americans’ needs over partisan agendas.
For Latinos and Americans alike, we need Donald Trump to succeed. His leadership in tackling issues like cartel violence, undocumented immigration, housing, and small business growth could ensure a brighter future for all. Donald Trump can cement himself as the best president of the 21st century if he can successfully fulfill these expectations.
