Representatives of Georgia's Latino community recently gathered at the state Capitol for the 4th annual Latino Day, an event aimed at highlighting their increasing political influence in the state.As Georgia prepares for significant elections, advocates emphasized the essential role Latino voters play in shaping the political landscape, with an estimated 500,000 Latino voters constituting about 5% of the state's electorate.
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georgiarecorder.comyahoo.com"We are here to stay," stated GALEO's Deputy Director Elisa Covarrubias during the event.She stressed that Latino voices and votes have the power to influence policies affecting their communities in Georgia and beyond.
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georgiarecorder.comThe event was hosted by the Latino Community Fund and GALEO, alongside 14 partner organizations dedicated to supporting immigrant populations.
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yahoo.comCovarrubias expressed pride in the contributions of Latinos, saying, "Latinos don't just work hard, we create, we build, we start businesses and we add to the beautiful multicultural texture of the United States of America.".However, speakers also addressed the anxiety caused by recent federal and state immigration policies.The legislation signed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2024, known as House Bill 1105, mandates law enforcement to notify federal authorities when non-legal immigrants are arrested.This law could lead to local governments losing state funding and police facing legal repercussions for non-compliance.
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georgiarecorder.comSenator RaShaun Kemp, a Democrat from Atlanta, highlighted the fear that these policies instill in immigrant families, many of whom are law-abiding residents."These families build homes, grow food, care for loved ones, and power small businesses, yet many now hesitate to call the police when they're victims of crime or even take their kids to school," he lamented.
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yahoo.comRepresentative Marvin Lim, who immigrated from the Philippines, echoed these concerns.He introduced House Bill 1053, which aims to relieve law enforcement from mandates to cooperate with federal immigration agents.Lim stated, "To me that is not safety...that is making things much less safe for all of our communities." He further criticized HB 1105 and similar actions, arguing they create an environment where Latinos feel unwelcome.
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georgiarecorder.comOn the other hand, supporters of HB 1105, including Representative Jesse Petrea, argue that the law is necessary to ensure that immigration enforcement targets only those who have committed crimes or have active deportation orders.Petrea expressed disagreement with the characterization of the law's impact on immigrant communities.
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yahoo.comSenate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, a Republican, also countered claims of fear among Latino communities, suggesting that most Latinos in Georgia are focused on their daily lives and work rather than protests against immigration enforcement.
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yahoo.comAs the Latino community in Georgia continues to grow both in numbers and political engagement, the upcoming elections will serve as a critical test of their influence.With advocates urging participation and representation, the collective efforts may reshape the political dynamics in Georgia.
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georgiarecorder.comThe ongoing dialogue around immigration policies and community safety remains a pivotal issue for Latino advocates.The growing political power of the Latino community in Georgia is not only about increasing voter turnout but also about influencing policies that directly affect their lives and livelihoods.
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yahoo.comAs they move forward, advocates are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed in the political arena, showing that the Latino community is an integral part of Georgia's future.
