Empowering Immigrant Voices: The Importance of Latine Voter Participation

How Engagement in the Electoral Process Shapes Communities and Drives Economic Growth.

By Nabila Haddad on October 30, 2024.

Photo: Canva

As an immigrant in the United States, have you checked if you have everything ready to vote on November 5th? Even if you do not meet all the criteria to register for the presidential elections, you can still participate in the electoral process by helping friends and family. This can involve guiding them through the voting process, identifying polling places, or assisting them in choosing candidates who align with their values and beliefs.

Many immigrants fail to vote due to unfamiliarity with the process, language barriers, or a lack of knowledge about polling locations. The significance of the immigrant vote cannot be overstated; according to the Pew Research Center, 1 in 10 eligible voters in the U.S. are naturalized citizens, and 16% of Pennsylvania's population is foreign-born. Their votes can significantly impact upcoming government policies affecting immigrants.

Latine Voter: YOUR VOICE COUNTS!

One of the obstacles disencouraging  Latine voters is the confusing information spread through the media. Jennifer Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC), emphasizes that Latines are often underestimated in their contributions due to negative media portrayals that focus narrowly on immigration. The Hispanic Chamber aims to elevate Latine contributions, highlighting their demographic growth and economic potential.

“Latinos do not quite understand or grasp the value, impact, and contributions that we make to the United States economy. This is largely because the general media portrays Latinos in a very narrow way, often focusing solely on immigration, which creates a negative atmosphere that we may not fully recognize,” Rodriguez explains.

Despite these challenges, Rodriguez stresses the importance of Latine voter participation, noting that their numbers can significantly influence election outcomes and policies. When Latines vote, they can affect positive change for their community. Rodriguez also warns of the drawbacks of not voting; communities with substantial numbers of citizens who do not participate often find themselves underserved and overlooked by elected officials.

“We should consider that greater numbers translate to greater impact, allowing us to hold our elected officials accountable. It's essential to recognize our importance to the economy and why we should be at the forefront. I believe that individually and collectively, we can do better,” Rodriguez states.

Latine Participation in the Economy: The Backbone of the American Economy

According to UnidosUS, 63 million Latines in the United States collectively contribute $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy. Latines own nearly 5 million businesses, generating over $800 billion in annual revenue. Remarkably, if Latines formed an independent nation, their economic output would rank as the fifth largest in the world, surpassing that of India.

Rodriguez notes that Latinas are making significant strides, impressively closing the gap in various outcomes. This is supported by the Latina GDP Report, financed by Bank of America, which highlights substantial increases in educational attainment, workforce contributions, and income among Hispanic women in the U.S.

The report, which analyzes data from 2010 to 2021, reveals that Latina women’s contributions to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rank fourth in the country, exceeding Florida’s GDP. Their economic participation has grown nearly three times (2.7) greater than that of non-Hispanic citizens.

The U.S. Latina GDP surpasses the entire economy of Florida. Latina women with college degrees have risen by 103%, compared to 38.3% for non-Latina women and about 30% for non-Latino men.

In an interview with the Inti Media team, Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, a physician and professor, explains that the rise in economic power among Latina women is directly linked to the increasing Latin American population. This trend stems from the births of children and grandchildren of immigrants who arrived in the U.S. between 1970 and 2000. This trend results in the country’s birth of half a million Latin American women annually. Their cultural heritage, particularly bilingualism, enhances their value in the workforce.

“They [Latinas] are fluent in English and maintain a strong proficiency in Spanish. This human capital is entering the labor force, significantly driving Latino labor participation and GDP growth, and this trend is expected to continue for the next 20 to 30 years. U.S.-born Latinas are entering the workforce with higher education levels, contributing substantially,” Dr. Hayes-Bautista explains.

Moreover, women are now the majority in this growing Latine demographic. Dr. Hayes-Bautista reports that since 2006, more than half of students in medical programs across the U.S. have been women. He notes two significant trends: the growth of the Latino population and the educational achievements of Latino women. “Females are now more likely to attain higher education than males, which, combined with the growing Latino population, accounts for the remarkable increase in Latina educational attainment without major policy changes,” he adds.

The contributions of Latina women represent a driving force for personal development and economic power, directly impacting the U.S. economy. According to Jennifer Auerbach-Rodriguez, a Strategic Growth Markets & Client Development Executive at Merrill Wealth Management, “This body of work captures the positive growth and contributions that U.S. Latinas from multiple generations are making to the economy, confirming that Latinas are a driving force. We see similar momentum in our own business research.”

Rodriguez acknowledges that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. “While we Latinas are making great strides and closing the gap in many outcomes, we must recognize that we are still lagging in various areas. So, while we are catching up, there is still much hard work ahead.”

The upcoming election on November 5th is a crucial opportunity for immigrants, particularly within the Latine community, to make their voices heard. Despite facing challenges such as misinformation and systemic barriers, the importance of participation cannot be overstated. With 63 million Latines significantly contributing to the U.S. economy and emerging as a vital demographic in the electoral process, their votes hold the power to shape policies that directly impact their communities. As Jennifer Rodriguez highlights, greater voter turnout can lead to accountability and representation, ensuring that the needs and contributions of Latines are prioritized. Whether by voting or supporting others in their voting journey, every individual can play a role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable democracy. It’s time for Latines to seize this moment and demonstrate that their voices truly count.

The U.S. Latina GDP Report is produced by the Latino GDP Project, a project of Community Partners  in collaboration with the Center for Economic Research & Forecasting at California Lutheran University  and the Center for the Study of Latino Health & Culture at UCLA . To download the full report, visit: www.LatinaGDP.us .

This content is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project managed by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Lead support for Every Voice, Every Vote in 2024 and 2025 is provided by the William Penn Foundation with additional funding from The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Comcast NBC Universal, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Henry L. Kimelman Family Foundation, Judy and Peter Leone, Arctos Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, 25th Century Foundation, and Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation. To learn more about the project and view a full list of supporters, visit www.everyvoice-everyvote.org. Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.