Texas consistently performs poorly in redistricting research compared to other states. Partisan gerrymandering is not the only mechanism that negatively impacts Latino voters – racial gerrymandering and vote dilution serve as other forms of political marginalization. By Guadalupe Cantu, MPA and Stacy Hernandez, MGPS
The open borders and immigrant invasion rhetoric is a myth permeated with hate. Open immigration borders have not existed since 1920. National and Texas’s racist immigration history against Mexican Americans and Mexicans is undeniable.
Latino and Black families are being regulated to a generational and permanent underclass population status. The history of Texas’ minimalist approach to policymaking has perpetuated limited human capital investments, and unequal opportunities to achieve family bienestar1 (well- being) – real middle-class equivalency.
Public polices matter. Laws and policies relating to taxes, education, health care, criminal justice, banking, housing and neighborhood development, environment, civic rights, etc. are a direct result of policy-making that may have positive or negative consequences. It is expected that they be fair and equitable to all. In particular, they should be responsive to human capital investment that builds social and economic opportunities and prosperity for its citizens.
The Uvalde tragedy resulted in extensive media, punditry, and political attention. Yet, has anyone asked what the children’s families and predominant Latino community want? The failed communications and understanding of their wants serve as a microcosm of what happens across Latino communities.
The 2018 midterm election sounded creaking noises in Texas suggesting that the long- anticipated demographic wave would turn the state blue. It did not happen in 2018, but surely 2020 would be the year. To add to the intrigue, Latinos accounted for three of every five new Texans eligible to vote and grassroot organizations were making great headway in registering Latino voters.
