In an op-ed for NBC Latino, I explore the ongoing tug-of-war within the Republican Party between Hispanic Americans and the Tea Party. As I note, the Republican Party seems to be making a push for Hispanic Americans’ support, especially by changing their policies on issues like comprehensive immigration reform. But the GOP may have a tough time bringing the Tea Party along for the ride. How will the GOP create balance between these two groups, both of which it needs to create a successful electoral coalition?
New data from a joint survey by Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institutionshows that Americans who identify with the Tea Party are far more likely than other Republicans to oppose comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship – and that’s not likely to change any time soon. The question is how the Republican Party will manage its current coalition – especially keeping the Tea Party faction happy – with rising pressure to support policies that would bring more diversity to the party.
