Latino Perspectives: A Current Look at Values, Health Care, Immigration and Other Key Issues

1

Latino Perspectives: A Current Look at Values, Health Care, Immigration

and Other Key Issues

Presentation of Findings From a Study of Latinos in 23 States

June 2006

June 2006 2

Survey Methodology Lake Research Partners designed and administered this survey

which was conducted by phone using professional interviewers. The survey reached 1,100 Latino/a adults in the 23 states* with the

highest Latino population density, including 800 Latino registered voters and 300 non-registered Latino adults over 18. The survey was conducted June 11-22, 2006.

Telephone numbers for the survey were drawn from a random digit dial sample (RDD) and from a list of registered voters.

The data were weighted slightly by age and education in order to ensure that the results more accurately reflect the demographic configuration of these populations.

The margin of error for the survey is +/- 3.0%.

*CA, TX, FL, NY, IL, AZ, NJ, NM, CO, GA, NV, NC, WA, MA, VA, PA, CT, MI, OR, MD, IN, OH, WI

June 2006 3

Focus Group Methodology Lake Research Partners conducted 4 focus groups on May 30th and 31st, 2006.

Two groups were held in Los Angeles, CA on the 30th, one conducted predominantly in Spanish among Latinos between age 30 and 60 who are registered to vote and are immigrants, and the other among Latinos under age 30, conducted predominantly in English, who are eligible but not registered to vote. The younger group included Latinos who participated in immigration rallies or who know a closer friend or family member who participated.

Two groups were held in Houston, TX on the 31st, one conducted predominantly in Spanish among Latinos between 30 and 60 who are registered to vote and attend church frequently (Catholics and Protestants), and the other conducted predominantly in English among Latinos under 30 who are registered to vote.

In opinion research, focus groups are structured as open-ended discussions that serve as a powerful tool for developing insight and direction. Because of the limited number of respondents and the restrictions of recruiting, this research must be considered in a qualitative frame of reference.

June 2006 4

Strategic Summary Latina/o voters are in a mood for change including against their own member of Congress.

Democrats have a strong advantage on the generic Congressional vote and on the issues.

The most Democratic Latino/as tend to be women, older voters, and Spanish speakers.

The Democrats have an advantage on values but framing is important.

However, marriage equality and abortion are areas for concern and potential wedge issues if progressives are not assertive. Those demographic groups most at risk include: older Latino/as (men on marriage women on choice), blue collar, Protestants, and weekly church goers.

Health care is a strong issue to reach Latinos and an opportunity to use a values oriented dialogue to frame the debate.

Spanish media is imperative if we want to reach target voters.

5

The Political Context

Latinos are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with the President and Republican Congress, and give the Democrats an advantage on tackling key issues such as values, the economy, and health care.

June 2006 6

Voters nationwide remain critical of the job Bush is doing as President.

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job George W. Bush is doing as President?

37%

58%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Approve Disapprove

NBC/WSJ, conducted 6/9-12/2006, 1,002 adults

June 2006 7

Latino voters are especially negative about the President’s job performance. There has been a slight uptick since

April, but the vast majority is disappointed.

How would you rate the job being done by George W. Bush as President?

9%

28%

68%

39%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Excellent/Good Just fair/Poor

Registered Latino Voters

June 2006


April 2006

8%

23%

75%

54%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%


June 2006 8

Non-registered Latinos are similarly critical of the President’s job performance. Although the intensity of their disapproval has dropped since April, seven in ten remain disappointed.

How would you rate the job being done by George W. Bush as President?

7%

26%

69%

32%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%


Non-Registered Latinos

June 2006


April 2006

9%

26%

48%

70%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Excellent/Good Just Fair/Poor

June 2006 9

All demographic groups are net negative about the President’s job performance, except Republican Latinos.

June 2006 10

Dissatisfaction with Bush stems primarily from his handling of the war in Iraq and the economy.

“The war. He is not really controlling the war – it’s gone too far” – LA younger man under 30

“In the first and second term he said so many things… Better jobs – I don’t see those coming around. The Katrina situation – he said he was going to help them out – and now, it’s not that way”. –Houston younger man

“I’m disappointed. He has the war going on and to me it’s more that he’s trying to pick up where his dad left off. Why send troops over there – he’s killing them for what? I don’t think what the war is about. – Houston younger woman

“As President he has deceived us from the beginning to include the actual election. He has also told us so many lies like the war being a necessity – knowing that it’s a lie. ”- LA older woman

“He is not doing his job well. Because he always talks about the economy and never helps poor people”- Houston older woman

June 2006 11

Americans are equally negative about the job Congress is doing.

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job Congress is doing?

23%

64%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Approve Disapprove

NBC/WSJ, conducted 6/9-12/2006, 1,002 adults

June 2006 12

Among Latinos, Congress fares no better. Both non-registered voters and voters view Congress negatively with

little change since April.

How would you rate the job being done by Congress?

5%

19%

73%

41%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%



June 2006


April 2006

6%

23%

24%

67%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Excellent/Good Just Fair/Poor

Non-registered Latinos:

June 200623% favorable

71% unfavorable

April 200618% favorable

69% unfavorable

June 2006 13

All demographic groups are net negative about Congress’ job performance, including Republican Latinos.

June 2006 14

Latinos are less critical of their own Member of Congress, though a near majority remain negative.

How would you rate the job being done by Congress?

3%

33%

51%

16%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%


Registered Latino Voters Non-Registered Latinos

8%

39%

49%

15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%


June 2006 15

Voters nationwide are planning to support the Democratic candidate in November.

In the congressional race in 2006, for which party’s candidate do you intend to vote, Democratic, Republican or other?

29%

38%

28%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Republican Democrat Unsure

Zogby, conducted 6/15-20/2006, 1,050 likely voters

June 2006 16

Similarly, registered Latino voters strongly support the Democratic candidate for Congress. In fact, the margin has

grown slightly since April. Still, one in four remain undecided.

And if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you vote for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate, or are you undecided?


June 2006


April 2006

47%

4%

15%

2%

55%

19%

26%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

DEM REP UNDEC

43%

5%

15%

3%

50%

21%

28%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

DEM REP UNDEC

Generic Congressional Ballot

+5 pts Democratic since April

June 2006 17

However, among non-registered Latinos, the margin has tilted away from Democrats and toward undecided. Republicans

are not stronger than before, but Democrats are weaker.

And if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you vote for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate, or are you undecided?


June 2006


April 2006

31%

6%

12%

4%

41%

18%

41%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

DEM REP UNDEC

Generic Congressional Ballot

33%

5%

13%

3%

44%

20%

36%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

DEM REP UNDEC

June 2006 18

In focus groups, Latinos said they are most concerned with jobs and the economy, health care, and education. On

these issues, they give Democrats large advantages. The Democratic advantage extends even to values and morality.

45%

49%

53%

54%

57%

59%

23%

18%

25%

24%

20%

21%

14%

16%

8%

9%

9%

18%

16%

14%

13%

15%

13%6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Values and morality

Gas prices

Immigration

Education

Economic issues facing families

Health care and presc. drugs

Democrats Republicans (Neither) (Unsure)


Margin

+38+37+30+28+31+22

APRIL 2006 DEM ADVANTAGES:Health care: +43Immigration: +33Education: +27

June 2006 19

Non-registered Latino voters also give the Democrats an advantage on their concerns.

39%

41%

42%

44%

45%

47%

20%

26%

23%

19%

18%

21%

13%

11%

10%

10%

12%

28%

22%

24%

26%

25%

23%8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Immigration

Values and morality

Education


Gas prices


Democrats Republicans (Neither) (Unsure)

Non-Registered Latinos Margin

+26+27+25+19+15+19

APRIL 2006 DEM ADVANTAGES:Health care: +14Immigration: +14Education: +17

June 2006 20

In April, Bush was an incredibly strong negative catalyst. He still is today, but he has rebounded some since then. Still, Latino voters give Democrats significant advantages over

Bush on their issue concerns.

45%

47%

52%

53%

54%

56%

28%

21%

22%

18%

25%

20%

12%

15%

8%

14%

9%

10%

15%

17%

18%

15%

12%

15%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Values and morality

Immigration

Health care and presc. Drugs

Gas prices

Education


Democrats Bush (Neither) (Unsure)

Registered Latino Voters Margin

+36+29+35+30+26+17

APRIL 2006 MARGINS:Health care: +38Immigration: +23Education: +32

June 2006 21

Non-registered Latinos prefer the Democrats over Bush by a larger margin except on immigration; though the margin is less

than in April.

47%

47%

50%

51%

53%

55%

23%

20%

23%

18%

26%

21%

14%

12%

12%

19%

11%

16%

15%

15%

12%

10%

10%14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Values and morality

Immigration


Gas prices

Education


Democrats Bush (Neither) (Unsure)

Non-Registered Latinos Margin

+34+27+33+27+27+24

APRIL 2006 MARGINS:Health care: +41Immigration: +47Education: +37

June 2006 22

Immigration is a major concern for Latinos. Most lean toward the Democrats to solve this and other issues.

“I would like for them to approve the law that deals with the reforms for immigration. …Without all the setbacks and traps within the law” – LA older woman

“Yes, Democrats –– with the Republicans we have seen that the war has caused all prices to go up. We are getting no help. Insurances are being cut and other cuts continue to happen. I see no benefits with them”.- Houston older man

“The Republican party basically focuses on helping the rich more than the middle class. The middle class is going lower and the Republicans do not care”.- LA older woman

“What I think about the Democrat Party is that is not radical; I like that it takes under consideration the minorities”.- LA older man

“The Democratic party has more support for the immigrants for jobs and welfare and I see more support coming from them”.- Houston younger woman

June 2006 23

Younger men, older women, non-college graduates, and Spanish speakers give Democrats and advantage over Republicans on the issues.

50%

43%

32%

49%

34%

45%

49%

37%

40%

50%

12%

32%

63%

-21%

-26%

-26%

-24%

-32%

-23%

-22%

-29%

-27%

-19%

-66%

-21%

-12%

-70% -50% -30% -10% 10% 30% 50% 70%

Older women

Younger women

Older men

Younger men

College

Non-college

Spanish

English

Married

Unmarried

Republicans

Independents

Democrats

Democrats Republicans

Who would do a better job on values and morality?

24

VALUES

June 2006 25

A conservative and a liberal agenda give Latinos pause. Among registered voters there is a split. Among non-registered voters,

however, the concern is more with liberals than conservatives. Latinos told us clearly in the focus groups that values mean family, respect,

health care, jobs, and opportunity. But neither can we allow the religious conservative right to have free reign on “traditional” values.

Which worries you more: the agenda of religious conservative groups OR the agenda of liberal progressive groups?

Registered Latino voters Non-registered Latinos

37%33%

30%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Religiousconservative

groups

Liberalprogressive

groups

Neither/both/DK

26%

35% 38%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Religiousconservative

groups

Liberalprogressive

groups

Neither/both/DK

June 2006 26

Swing voters are more concerned with a liberal agenda.

3633

28

37

32

43

3632 32

45

2731

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Democrat

Independent

Republican

Dem voter

Rep voter

Undecided

Conservative agenda Liberal Agenda

June 2006 27

Protecting the family unit, teaching children right from wrong and education are key values.

“I fear for generations to come. I walk around these days and I notice that more kids are treating their parents like kids. I see that the role has switched … I was taught to respect the elders, respect your parents, never talk back no matter where you go; you always speak and say hi no matter where you go. Nowadays not of that is being enforced; it’s always they are children; that he’ll learn – and nobody is willing to give that lesson”. – Houston younger man

“Education was a major value for us – education was a part of our teachings from the ancestors – as the generations grow that is being lost in the shuffle. I feel that they are trying to get to that again”.- LA older woman

“Family values – they play an important role – they should be regained since many of those have been lost. Family values have been lost”.- LA older man

“I feel that in place of jails and courtrooms they should be putting up more schools… more community centers; more help centers…” – Houston older woman

June 2006 28

The “values” pressure is real for Latinos. It encompasses children and family first and foremost. But Latinos are also comfortable with more religion and values in government and want politicians to do more to encourage good moral

values.

Registered Latino Voters: Strongly Agree

Total Agree

Total Disagree

Margin

Our children are not learning the values they need to learn like discipline and respect

56% 80% 16% +64

Politicians should do more to encourage good moral values 49% 75% 20% +55

We need more people with religion and values in government today

42% 64% 30% +34

Separation of church and state is a key principle of our Constitution

38% 64% 24% +40

When it comes to values and morality the Republican Party is just too conservative and close minded for me

29% 53% 33% +20

Religion plays too much of a role in politics these days 29% 50% 42% +8

Christians are under attack by pop culture and the media 27% 47% 38% +9

When it comes to values and morality the Democratic Party is just too liberal for me

26% 45% 35% +10

*all questions asked of ½ the sample

Latinos are more likely to believe Republicans are close minded than to believe Democrats are too liberal.

June 2006 29

Independents and undecided voters agree more that Republicans are close minded than Democrats are just too

liberal.

52%37%

43%41%

51%43%

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

Independents

Undecided voters

All Latinos

Agree: Democrats just too liberal

Agree: Republicans too close minded

June 2006 30

Non-registered Latinos have similar value priorities. However, they are even less likely to think Democrats are too liberal. And

interestingly, though they are more worried about a liberal agenda they are less likely than registered voters to think Christians are

under attack. Clearly they have values concerns, but they are not limited to the definition propagated by the right.

Non-registered Latino Voters: Strongly Agree

Total Agree

Total Disagree

Margin

Our children are not learning the values they need to learn like discipline and respect

55% 81% 15% +66

Politicians should do more to encourage good moral values 46% 81% 12% +69

We need more people with religion and values in government today

33% 63% 28% +35

Separation of church and state is a key principle of our Constitution

33% 56% 25% +31

When it comes to values and morality the Republican Party is just too conservative and close minded for me

25% 47% 29% +16

Religion plays too much of a role in politics these days 21% 44% 46% -2

When it comes to values and morality the Democratic Party is just too liberal for me

18% 40% 36% +4

Christians are under attack by pop culture and the media 16% 41% 40% +1

*all questions asked of ½ the sample

June 2006 31

Which statement comes closer to your own point of view?

39%

58%

20%

28%

14%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

DemocraticStatement I

RepublicanStatement

Don’t know

Latinos respond positively to the broader Democratic values message – especially among registered voters. However, the advantage and intensity of the Democratic message is smaller

among Latinos who are not registered to vote.

Registered Latino Voters Non-Registered Latinos

29%

54%

15%

27%

18%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

DemocraticStatement I

RepublicanStatement

Don't know

+30 +27

June 2006 32

Which statement comes closer to your own point of view?

41%

60%

23%

30%

11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

DemocraticStatement II

RepublicanStatement

Don’t know

Similarly, the Democrats’ family and community-focused statement does significantly better than the Republicans’

statement.

Registered Latino Voters Non-registered Latinos

37%

52%

18%

24%23%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

DemocraticStatement II

RepublicanStatement

Don't know

+30+28

June 2006 33

20%

28%

24%

27%

20%

21%

19%

20%

-17%

-25%

-24%

-17%

-9%

-9%

-10%

-10%

-40.0% -30.0% -20.0% -10.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

Dem strong Dem smwht Rep strong Rep smwht

Swing voters choose the Democrats on the values message.

27

34

34

26

47

43

49

40

Independents

Independents

Undecided

UndecidedDemocratic I

Democratic II

June 2006 34

Text of Republican Statement

Republicans say they are the one party that strongly supports faith, religion, and traditional family values. They have proposed a Constitutional amendment against gay marriage because the Bible says marriage is between a man and a woman. They value life and want to limit abortions, including partial birth abortions, which are performed in the last month of a pregnancy. They say it is hard to raise children in American today and elected officials need to live by strong moral values and help families teach their children the right values.

June 2006 35

Text of Democratic Statements

Statement I: Issues driven messageDemocrats say real family values mean valuing families and working for good jobs with benefits like health care and good wages so families can spend more time with their children. They say family values means investing in good quality schools so all of our children have the best opportunities to learn, and providing affordable health care for all our children so they come to school ready to learn. And they say family values means taking care of our most vulnerable: the elderly and the children- ensuring comprehensive, affordable health care and prescription drug coverage so they are not choosing between lifesaving drugs and food and heat.

Statement II: Taking care of families, members of communityDemocrats say real family values mean valuing families and working for good jobs with benefits like health care and good wages so families can spend more time with their children. Democrats say they know the most important thing is family- taking care of your children and parents. They are active members of their churches and local communities. In office, they work to get quality public schools and health care for all our children and to protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors. Democrats believe these issues are at the core of what it means to support family values and promote strong families.

36

Health Care

Health care is a key issue with Latinos. A strong majority is concerned about their

ability to afford health coverage and support a plan to make health care

coverage more affordable and accessible.

June 2006 37

Latinos are overwhelmingly concerned about the ability to get and pay for health insurance.

“You see how everyone was promised health care coverage; sometimes we cannot afford to pay for health care for our children. So no matter what you make; now we don’t have insurance.” –Houston older woman

“I would make less money if I had to as long as I could get good insurance for my children from my company”- LA younger man

“I am concerned because of myself and my family. My parents are older and I don’t want them to go through health care problems…” – LA younger woman

June 2006 38

All of the issues we tested have high saliency with Latinos. Health care is a great opportunity to talk about children and

families. It creates room to discuss what real family values mean.

Very Worried

Total Worried

Total Not Worried

When you or a family member have a serious illness, your insurance policy may not fully cover what you need

61% 81% 15%

Your co-pays and deductibles will go up significantly 60% 83% 12%

You might not be able to afford the prescription drugs you or your family need*

58% 83% 15%

You might not be able to afford health care services you need for your family or your parents*

56% 82% 15%

Non- registered Latino voters are even more intensely concerned about these issues than registered voters. Their rank order also changes slightly since they are more concerned that they

cannot afford the care their family needs (second most important concern) whereas the second most important concern for registered voters is that their co-pays will go up significantly. Non-registered adults are particularly concerned about their insurance not covering treatment for a

serious illness (66% very worried, 61% very worried among registered), and 65 percent worry about being able to afford necessary health care (56% among registered).

*asked of half the sample

REGISTERED LATINO VOTERS

June 2006 39

Latinos intensely support a candidate for Congress who is willing to expand access to health care coverage. There is more

intensity behind a candidate who will expand coverage like in Canada and Europe. And, contrary to conventional wisdom, Latinos are willing to pay more in taxes for expanded access.

10%

40%

7%12%

19%

62%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

More Likely Less Likely No Diff. (DK)

What if a candidate for Congress had a plan to expand access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans, even it meant raising taxes.

Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for

this candidate, or wouldn’t it make a difference?

What if a candidate for Congress had a plan to provide universal health care coverage like in Europe and Canada. Would you be more likely

or less likely to vote for this candidate, or wouldn’t it make a difference?

8%

48%

8%

15%15%

62%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

More Likely Less Likely No Diff. (DK)

Intense supporters: age 50-64, college graduates, strong Democrats, Democratic men, unmarrieds and separated/divorced, between $50-100k, Catholics.

June 2006 40

There is almost universal agreement that everyone has a right to quality, affordable health care and that the government should

guarantee that right. Access to health care is a core Latino value.

Strongly Agree

Total Agree

Total Disagree

Everyone has a right to quality affordable health care coverage 73% 91% 7%

Government should guarantee that everyone has access to quality affordable health care

73% 87% 10%

Real family values means valuing families by having affordable health care and jobs that pay well enough to actually let families spend time together

69% 85% 8%

It is morally wrong that some children in America do not have access to affordable healthcare

66% 85% 11%

We cannot just depend on private businesses and the marketplace to solve the health care problem, government has a responsibility to make sure people are treated fairly and everyone has access to affordable health insurance

60% 82% 12%

It is morally wrong that we do not spend the money to ensure that every child in America has affordable health care but we are willing to spend billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to help oil companies when they are making record profits

59% 72% 22%

The best way to expand health care coverage is to increase competition and give people individualized choices

49% 72% 19%


*all questions were asked of ½ the sample

June 2006 41

Non-registered voters have a similar rank order. They believe quality affordable health care is a right and that the

government should do more to guarantee that access.

Strongly Agree

Total Agree

Total Disagree

Everyone has a right to quality affordable health care coverage 78% 89% 7%

Government should guarantee that everyone has access to quality affordable health care

69% 90% 7%

Real family values means valuing families by having affordable health care and jobs that pay well enough to actually let families spend time together

69% 85% 9%

It is morally wrong that some children in America do not have access to affordable healthcare

59% 79% 14%

We cannot just depend on private businesses and the marketplace to solve the health care problem, government has a responsibility to make sure people are treated fairly and everyone has access to affordable health insurance

57% 81% 11%

It is morally wrong that we do not spend the money to ensure that every child in America has affordable health care but we are willing to spend billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to help oil companies when they are making record profits

55% 69% 22%

The best way to expand health care coverage is to increase competition and give people individualized choices

44% 69% 15%

NON-REGISTERED LATINOS

*all questions were asked of ½ the sample

42

Immigration

A majority of Latinos believes illegal immigration to be a serious problem, but most disagree with Bush’s plan to

militarize the border and want immigrants to become citizens as long as they meet certain requirements.

June 2006 43

How big would you say the problem of illegal immigration is in the U.S.?

54%

7%

79%

18%

3%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Very/ Smwhtserious

Not so serious/Not a problem

DK


June 2006


April 2006

44%

18%

69%

28%

3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Very/ Smwhtserious


DK

Seven in ten Latino voters see immigration as a serious problem. This is down from April when eight in ten Latino voters felt that way. The rallies have likely had an impact.

-10 points since April

June 2006 44How big would you say the problem of illegal immigration is in the U.S.?


June 2006


April 2006

42%

20%

68%

30%

2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Very/ Smwhtserious


DK

56%

4%

81%

17%

2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Very/ Smwhtserious


DK

Similarly, concern has dropped among non-registered voters, even more dramatically than among registered

voters, but most see it as a big problem.

-13 points since April

June 2006 45

Favorability toward the immigration protests has cooled somewhat since April. Still, the mean is net positive and only a

quarter are negative.

% “6-10”

(warm)

% “5”

(neutral)

% “0-4”

(cool)

Rate your feeling in watching [people marching and protesting against some of the proposed changes to U.S. immigration law] on a scale from 0-10 (10 = very warm, favorable; 0 = very cold, unfavorable; 5 = not particularly

warm or cold).

23%

26%

14%

15%

17%

17% 17%

27%

24%

18%Reg. Voters

Non-reg

% “6-10”

(warm)

% “5”

(neutral)

% “0-4”

(cool)

June 2006 April 2006

30%

31%

9%

13%

9%

15% 20%

25%

20%

26%Reg. Voters

Non-reg

Mean: 6.1

Mean: 6.4 Mean: 6.6

Mean: 6.2

June 2006 46

Focus group participants saw the rallies as a strong showing

of Latino strength and unity..

“The protests were very important for people to see that we are awake”. –Houston older man

“For me the main thing is that – not the marches – the main thing is that people get frustrated enough and go right to the fronts and stay there until change happens. Marches are good but then are forgotten…” –Houston older woman

“I think that was accomplished is to stand up and be counted. That is important. That is what we are doing. If we stay quiet no one knows where we are. I am proud of this. “ –Houston older man

“I did not like the criticism – the way the protests were conducted with various flags – the protest should have been done under the American flag. To me, it did not sit right”- LA older woman

June 2006 47

Non-registered Latinos are notably more intense in their support for what the rallies and marches have accomplished.

They believe the marches have shown strength in identity politics but questions whether they will affect a policy change.

Strongly Agree

Total Agree

Total Disagree

The marches showed that Latinos – immigrants or not – are united and won’t put up with discrimination any longer

45% 71% 22%

The marches showed elected officials in the United States that Latinos are a force to be reckoned with

44% 70% 22%

The marches will have a positive affect on the final outcome of immigration reform

33% 58% 31%

Strongly Agree

Total Agree

Total Disagree

The marches showed that Latinos – immigrants or not – are united and won’t put up with discrimination any longer

50% 77% 18%

The marches showed elected officials in the United States that Latinos are a force to be reckoned with

48% 75% 17%

The marches will have a positive affect on the final outcome of immigration reform

35% 60% 24%


NON- REGISTERED LATINOS

June 2006 48

23%

38%

34%

55%

11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Support Oppose DK

As you may know, President Bush gave a speech on the issue of immigration last month. In his speech

the President said he would send 6, 000 more National Guard Troops to the Southwest border as a way to stop illegal immigration. Do you support or

oppose President Bush’s plan to send National Guard Troops to patrol the border or aren’t you sure?

Some people have suggested that we send 6,000 more National Guard Troops to the Southwest

border as a way to stop illegal immigration. Do you support or oppose the plan to send National Guard Troops to patrol the border or aren’t you

sure?

The proposal to send more National Guard troops to the border is met unfavorably by a majority of registered Latinos. Opposition toward militarizing our borders is slightly higher

when Bush is mentioned.

24%

36%

37%

53%

10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Support Oppose DK

June 2006 49

17%

37%

30%

54%

16%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Support Oppose DK

As you may know, President Bush gave a speech on the issue of immigration last month. In his speech

the President said he would send 6, 000 more National Guard Troops to the Southwest border as a way to stop illegal immigration. Do you support or

oppose President Bush’s plan to send National Guard Troops to patrol the border or aren’t you sure?

Some people have suggested that we send 6,000 more National Guard Troops to the Southwest

border as a way to stop illegal immigration. Do you support or oppose the plan to send National Guard Troops to patrol the border or aren’t you

sure?

Latinos who are not registered to vote are also opposed to the plan. However, the intensity of opposition increases when the

statement ignores Bush.

13%

45%

28%

62%

10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Support Oppose DK

June 2006 50

Which comes closest to your view about what government policy should be toward illegal immigrants currently residing in the U.S.?

54%

17%

15%

6%

57%

17%

17%

3%

Registered Voters Non-registered

Latinos overwhelmingly support a path to citizenship. The guest worker program has its supporters but by 4 to 1

Latinos support citizenship or amnesty.

Allow illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S. and become U.S. citizens, but only if they meet certain requirements like working and paying back taxes

over a period of time

Have a guest worker program that allows immigrants to remain in the U.S. in order to work,

but only for a limited amount of time

Grant amnesty

Make all illegal immigrants felons and send them back to their home country

APRIL 2006

Citizenship: 61% registered

71% non-registered

Make felons:16% registered

11% non-registered

Guest-worker program:15% registered

13% non-registered

June 2006 51

Spanish-speaking media is an important way to reach Latino voters. While non-registered are more likely to use

Spanish media, registered voters are frequent users as well.

11% 6%

10% 10%

41% 19%

46% 20%

44% 18%

54% 20%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Registered

Non-reg

Registered

Non-reg

Registered

Non-reg

Every day Weekly

Television

Radio

The Internet

74%

62%

66%

60%

20%

17%

June 2006 52

Among Democratic targets, Spanish media is a required communication tool.

12% 3%

48% 12%

50% 12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Every day Weekly

Television

Radio

The Internet

62%

60%

15%

Documents

Latino Perspectives: A Current Look at Values, Health Care, Immigration and Other Key Issues