UPDATE: During a pivotal segment on CNN’s Election Night coverage on November 7, 2023, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) emphasized the urgent need for the Republican Party to recalibrate its immigration policies to attract Latino voters. Malliotakis highlighted that targeting long-term residents without criminal records, rather than focusing solely on deporting criminals, could significantly enhance the GOP’s appeal in upcoming elections.
Malliotakis stated, “I think we need to move a little more in the middle, and I think that that is something we need to learn from tonight.” She warned that aggressive deportation policies could backfire, especially when they affect individuals who have been contributing members of society for decades, paying taxes, and raising American citizen children.
During the broadcast, host Anderson Cooper challenged her perspective by referencing former President Donald Trump‘s hardline stance on immigration, which categorized all undocumented immigrants as “criminals.” Malliotakis countered that the Republican Party risks alienating Hispanic voters if it continues down this path. She remarked, “I think that the pendulum cannot go too far, or else you’re going to lose that Hispanic vote,” underscoring the political stakes involved.
Malliotakis provided alarming statistics, noting that there were 16,000 crimes linked to individuals from migrant shelters in New York City, asserting that President Trump’s policies have contributed to a decrease in crime rates in the city. “He’s deporting those individuals, those shelters are closing, and that’s good,” she added. However, she stressed the importance of distinguishing between criminals and long-term residents who contribute positively to society.
Highlighting the broader implications of immigration policy, Malliotakis pointed out that the Republican Party must effectively communicate its accomplishments, such as securing the border and reducing inflation rates. She stated, “I always have said that the pendulum went so far to the left under Joe Biden; people did not like the open borders, they didn’t like 9% inflation.” She urged her party to avoid swinging too far to the right, which could alienate critical voter demographics.
As the political landscape shifts, Malliotakis’s remarks signal a potential pivot within the Republican Party, aiming to bridge gaps and foster a more inclusive approach to immigration. Her insights may shape future party strategies as they approach the 2024 elections.
What happens next? Malliotakis’s call for moderation could spark internal discussions among GOP leaders about immigration policy, with implications for how the party engages Latino voters moving forward. As the political climate continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how the Republican Party responds to these pressing concerns.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
