Five priorities for the Hispanic electorate after the 2024 election

As we look ahead, here are the five priorities the Hispanic electorate expects the next administration to address, grounded in faith, family, and freedom.

Fix the economy 

The top priority for Hispanic voters is economic stability and opportunity. Inflation has eroded wages, cost-of-living increases have strained families, and job security remains precarious for many in our community. The next administration must tackle inflation head-on by curbing unnecessary government spending and focusing on policies that promote fiscal responsibility. 

Latinos are disproportionately affected by overregulation in industries such as construction, agriculture, and small business — the very backbone of our contributions to the economy. Rolling back egregious regulations and incentivizing entrepreneurship will empower our community to thrive. Furthermore, bringing manufacturing jobs back to America will ensure economic growth that benefits both urban and rural Latino populations. For Latinos, the American dream begins with the ability to work hard, support our families, and build a better future. Fixing the economy is non-negotiable. 

Reform immigration policy 

Immigration remains a critical issue for our community, and Hispanic voters are calling for comprehensive, common-sense reforms. Securing the border is essential, not only for national security but also for ensuring an orderly and humane immigration process. Illegal immigration places an undue burden on Latino communities, especially in border states, where resources are already stretched thin. 

We support the mass deportation of every single illegal alien and undocumented individual engaged in nefarious activities, without exception, period. Criminals who exploit our immigration system undermine the safety and stability of our communities and the integrity of our nation. They have no place in America. 

At the same time, we must address the reality of those who have been living in this country for decades, contributing to the economy, and raising families. These individuals, who have no criminal records and are not dependent on government assistance, deserve a pathway to legalization, but not citizenship. Any individual who has come here illegally should never, ever receive citizenship. However, such individuals can receive green cards that enable them to work legally, continue to live here legally, and raise their families without fear. 

This approach strikes a balance between compassion and accountability. It honors the rule of law while recognizing the contributions of those who have lived upright, productive lives in the United States. By creating a system that prioritizes security, fairness, and accountability, we can ensure that our immigration policy reflects justice, order, and the values that define the American spirit. 

Protect parental rights 

Hispanic families hold parental rights as sacred. The government has no place in dictating how we raise our children, especially when it comes to education and moral values. The Latino electorate overwhelmingly supports legislation that secures the rights of parents to make decisions for their children, free from government interference. 

We want the next administration to defend our God-given rights to instill in our children a biblical worldview. Whether it’s rejecting mandatory vaccinations, resisting radical gender ideology, or safeguarding faith-based education, we demand policies that respect the autonomy of parents. This is not just about education; it’s about protecting the cultural and spiritual heritage of the next generation of Latinos. 

Restore law and order 

Over the past four years, many of our cities have been plagued by lawlessness and chaos. From San Francisco to Chicago, rising crime rates have disproportionately affected minority communities, including Latinos. We’ve seen our neighborhoods suffer as theft, drug abuse, and violence go unpunished, leaving families to fend for themselves. 

The Latino electorate demands a return to law and order. We need policies that empower law enforcement, ensure swift justice for those who break the law, and protect innocent families from becoming victims of crime. Lawlessness undermines the very fabric of our communities, and we expect the next administration to prioritize safety and accountability. 

Strengthen foreign policy 

Finally, Latinos care deeply about foreign policy, particularly as it relates to our brothers and sisters in Latin America. We call for an immediate response to the 19 Latinos reportedly held hostage by Hamas, ensuring that every effort is made to bring them home safely. Beyond this crisis, we demand a foreign policy that projects strength and opposes the spread of socialism and Marxism in our hemisphere. 

The next administration must build a firewall against the ideologies of Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Bolivia while supporting freedom-loving nations in their pursuit of democracy. This also means rejecting woke military policies that weaken our global standing. Peace through strength, combined with a firm repudiation of oppressive ideologies, is the only way forward. 

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The 2024 election demonstrated that Latinos are no longer a monolithic voting bloc. Our community values hard work, family, faith, and freedom, and we expect our elected leaders to uphold these principles. The historic support for Trump among Latinos was not an anomaly; it was a mandate. Hispanic voters are demanding a government that reflects their priorities and addresses their concerns. 

The next administration has a unique opportunity to deliver for the fastest-growing demographic in America. By focusing on economic prosperity, immigration reform, parental rights, law and order, and foreign policy, we can build a future where the Latino community, and all Americans, can thrive. 

Samuel Rodriguez is the pastor of New Season Church.