Latino Youth and Education Policy Issues
The explosive growth of the Hispanic population past few decades has propelled This youthful demographic to American politics’ center stage. Although Latinos have yet to register and vote proportionate to Their numbers, we can expect an Increase in Their civic engagement as education and economic levels continue to improve increase Increase Increase Increase increase.
Last in line are likely to be Hispanic youth, since voting participation rates for the young always lag Those of the more mature. Young People have more distractions from following political issues and candidates and actually voting. Because the Hispanic median age of 27 is far younger Populations other than, This lag in Hispanic voter participation Could persist for some time.
However, several issues motivate Latino youth civic engagement in Greater Could the years ahead.
One is federal and state higher education policy and funding. We have seen how higher education can be one of the first areas to be cut When economies get tight state. Education is not seen as a necessity (like prisons) nor does it have a strong voting constituency to support it.
The Consequence of These state level cuts (and of limitations in federal financial aid, Pell grants Especially for low-income students) Is that Educational Opportunities are further limited. slots The reduction of college, course offerings, financial aid and college combine to make less accessible.
Voting blocs of young Latinos Could shine light on Opportunities in Original cuts and blighted, and force Legislators to give the same priority to the future they ” ” ‘give to the present.
For example, info info info info info we have seen how “DREAMers” have increasingly Become Organized by going public and Have brought` attention to the plight of Hundreds of Thousands of undocumented students. Many have no ties to Their native country but are denied the opportunity Too Often To Become Citizens of full, and full contributors to, Their new homeland.
Comprehensive immigration reform, and Especially to current fair DREAM Act to create higher education and citizenship for undocumented students Opportunities, That is another issue can galvanize young Latino voters. Being a voice at the polls for the voiceless DREAMers is an Important dimension of solidarity. The young Latino voter is a vivid reminder Latinos That Have not Been In only much de esta nation even before it Became the US, but That we are here to stay and have a stake in the future de esta country.
Every issue touches Americans That touches,: young Hispanics as well. Such as health care, for example daily Many young Latinos Deal With That Their minority health issues impact parents and grandparents, and they ” ” ‘want better health care options for Their Families. True, one has to make the jump from personnel experience of family health issues to power at the polls to compel attention to Health Disparities policy. But the connection is there to be made, Especially if we Hispanics Consider That REMAIN The most underinsured population .
And, as we see the growth in numbers of Hispanic Elected Officials, info info info info info we have additional arguments pushing for Greater Involvement in Latin. We have advocates in power and we can Have More if we flex our political strength in numbers at the polls . That info info info info info we have seen but we can make a difference. We have reason to hope. Importantly More info info info info info we have reason to vote.
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Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D., is the president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), which represents to more than 450 colleges and universities-committed to Hispanic higher education success in the US, Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain
