UPDATE: During a pivotal segment on CNN’s Election Night coverage, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) emphasized an urgent need for the Republican Party to recalibrate its immigration policies to better resonate with Latino voters. Malliotakis stated that targeting long-term residents without criminal records could severely undermine the party’s electoral success.
In her remarks, Malliotakis asserted, “I think we need to move a little more in the middle, and I think that is something we need to learn from tonight.” Highlighting the negative impact of aggressive deportation policies, she warned that “going after people who have no criminal history” is likely to backfire.
The congresswoman pointed to a crucial point: “The president did secure the border and is deporting the criminals. But the issue, I believe, with the Latino vote… we need to focus on the criminals, not people who have been here a long time.” Her comments come amid growing concerns within the party about its appeal to a vital voting bloc.
Host Anderson Cooper raised critical questions about the GOP’s hardline stance, referencing former President Trump’s definition of criminals as anyone in the country illegally. Malliotakis responded, stating, “The pendulum cannot go too far, or else you’re going to lose that Hispanic vote.” She highlighted the importance of reasonable policies that distinguish between long-term residents and those committing crimes.
Significantly, she cited alarming statistics from New York City: “There were 16,000 crimes committed where the individuals traced back to the migrant shelter, none of that’s happening anymore in New York City because of President Trump.” This statement underscores the complexities and nuances of the immigration debate as it pertains to safety and community wellbeing.
Malliotakis also noted the broader political landscape, suggesting that while the pendulum has swung to the right under current policies, it must not swing too far. “People did not like the open borders, they didn’t like 9% inflation,” she stated, urging the GOP to communicate its achievements effectively, including border security and tax cuts for working Americans.
As the Republican Party grapples with its identity and strategies ahead of upcoming elections, Malliotakis’s perspective offers a potential roadmap. Her urgent call for moderation could be a turning point in how the party engages with Latino communities, a demographic increasingly crucial for electoral success.
This developing story highlights the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party and the pressing need to reassess strategies to avoid alienating key voter groups. As the election cycle progresses, all eyes will be on how GOP leaders respond to these critical insights.
