Op-ed: Why I Voted for Biden as a Latino

As we stand on the precipice of a momentous decision in our nation’s history, I write to you not just as a Latino, but as someone deeply invested in our collective future. The upcoming general election holds immense significance for Latinos and every American striving for a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society.

The Latino community faces challenges unique to our experiences, struggles, and aspirations. In these times of uncertainty and division, we must unite and exercise our power at the ballot box to shape a future that reflects our values, honors our contributions, and provides opportunities for all. Now I am as progressive as one can be. I supported Bernie Sanders, I am still standing for those values. I am one of Bernie Sanders’s NH State delegates. Regardless of that, I wrote in Joe Biden during the last NH Presidential Primary and I will tell you why.

A Trump election would pose the greatest danger to my community.

When he said that “Immigrants are poisoning the blood of America!”, straight out of Hitler’s playbook, that was a wake-up call for all of us. He ain’t joking, he means it. He truly does.

I refuse to witness once again families separated at the border regardless of immigration status. That is morally wrong and it is one of the most cruel political acts in recent history. Here in New Hampshire, I wiped the tears of a mother waiting for their children who were detained in some distant detention center in another state, miles away from a mother’s arms and a father’s wisdom. It was painful to watch children behind bars, lying down on cold floors, and sharing a bathroom with other children. The idea of enduring something like that isn’t appealing to me. As a result, I voted for President Biden to give us a chance.

I reject inhumane immigration scary tactics like the ones Governor Abbott is implementing in Texas and that Donald Trump is celebrating and his base in NH is trying to promote like the manufactured border crisis. I voted to give us a true chance for life and to give someone else the opportunity to reach that American Dream that many are still searching for. 

We are not “bad hombres”, rapists, and gang members, we do not bring to this land the worse of us. Some of us are students, factory workers, farmers. Some of us are lawyers, educators, doctors, and scientists, and some of us are politicians. We are not poisoning the blood of this country, we are the blood supply of this nation. 

The Latino community, like many others, continues to face systemic racism and injustice. Joe Biden has shown a commitment to addressing these issues head-on, from criminal justice reform to police accountability measures. He understands the urgency of the moment and the need for meaningful change. At the same time, Latino businesses are a driving force in our economy, yet too many struggle to access capital and resources. Biden’s economic plan prioritizes small businesses and aims to create good-paying jobs while addressing systemic inequalities that hold back Latino workers and entrepreneurs.

In a time of increasing division and xenophobia, Joe Biden offers a vision of unity and respect. That alone is important. Respect that we are bound to lose if we make a flawed electoral choice. I am a father of four children. My two daughters have less rights now than their mother had a decade ago. I am doing this for them as well.

It is not simple to fix the immigration issues we have in this country. Even for us Latinos, we still need to get all the answers. It is always difficult to find a solution. With President Biden, we will have a seat at the table. With Donald Trump, we will be part of the menu. 

 Many progressives will be upset with me after reading this. That is ok. I am willing to debate it. However, this is a harm protection measure that will keep us sane and give us a chance to keep fighting.

Friends, the stakes could not be higher in this election. Our vote is our voice, and it is time for us to speak up and be heard. Let us come together, not just as Granite staters or Latinos or else, but as Americans united in our commitment to justice, equality, and opportunity for all.

In November, let us vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come, and once elected continue the work of holding President Biden accountable to deliver his promises. We must do just that. We will take a huge step towards hateful leadership and racist narrative if Donald Trump is elected president, which will have a profound impact on our community to a level that has never been seen before. We cannot be fractured in November. I am asking Latinos to join me.