Rosa, a Mexican immigrant who has lived in Whitewater, Wisconsin, for nearly 30 years, initially felt indifferent about the Nicaraguan asylum-seekers moving into her town. However, her perspective changed as she noticed that many of them were able to apply for work permits and driver’s licenses—benefits unavailable to undocumented immigrants like herself. This realization led to feelings of frustration and resentment towards the U.S. immigration system and the Biden administration.
Rosa, who works as a janitor, expressed her discontent: “It’s not fair. Those of us who have been here for years get nothing.” Her anger reflects a broader sentiment among long-established Latino immigrants who feel overlooked as the government facilitates the integration of new asylum-seekers. Many of these immigrants have been receiving assistance such as food and shelter, which has contributed to a shift in political loyalties among Latino voters.
In recent elections, increased support for Donald Trump among Latino voters has disrupted traditional Democratic strongholds. Many Latino voters are frustrated with the lack of meaningful immigration reforms from the Biden administration, which had promised a more humane approach after four years of strict policies under Trump.
In Whitewater, the arrival of hundreds of Nicaraguans has strained local resources. Many newcomers lack driver’s licenses, leading to increased tension with local law enforcement. The Biden administration has maintained some Trump-era policies while also introducing temporary programs for asylum-seekers. However, critics argue that these measures have not addressed the needs of long-term undocumented residents.
Valadez, a friend of Rosa’s and an undocumented single mother, shared her own struggles. She drives immigrants without licenses to work and errands, risking fines that have cost her thousands. When her son found a purse containing a driver’s license and cash belonging to a Nicaraguan woman, Valadez felt bitterness over the disparity in treatment between new arrivals and those who have lived in the U.S. for years without legal status.
As the presidential election approached, many voters expressed immigration as a top concern. Polls indicated disappointment with Biden’s handling of immigration issues, particularly as record numbers of immigrants crossed the border. Critics like Texas Governor Greg Abbott amplified concerns about border security while transporting immigrants to Democratic cities.
Despite attempts by the Biden administration to reform immigration policies, significant backlogs in processing work permits and other applications remain. As of September, about 1.2 million work permit applications were pending, with many stuck for months.
Community leaders like Camila Chávez from the Dolores Huerta Foundation noted that misinformation about immigration is influencing Latino voters’ perceptions and choices at the polls. Some voters fear that new arrivals could bring crime or threaten their families’ safety.
Trump’s campaign promises include aggressive deportation plans targeting undocumented immigrants deemed threats to public safety or national security. His administration’s previous approach led to widespread enforcement actions against undocumented populations.
The changing political landscape is evident in places like Del Rio, Texas, where Trump flipped voter support from blue to red in recent elections. Local business owners like Sergio Garza Castillo have shifted their political allegiance due to frustrations with current immigration policies and perceived inequities in how new arrivals are treated compared to long-term residents.
Garza Castillo believes that if Trump can create pathways to citizenship for long-term undocumented immigrants, it could solidify Republican support among Latino voters for years to come.
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