First Advisor

Geoffrey Bateman

Second Advisor

Ian Zuckerman

Third Advisor

Amy Schreier

Thesis Committee Member(s)

Lara Narcisi

Reader

Heider Tun Tun

College

Regis College

Degree Name

BA

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Campus Access

Number of Pages

92 pages

Abstract

Since 2016 there has been an increase in support for Donald Trump among U.S Latine. There is not one decisive reason some Latine voted for Trump; rather a mixture of important issues and concerns influenced more U.S Latine to support Trump over time. In this thesis I analyze why Latine voted for Trump and focus on the rise of Latine support for Trump, specifically in Florida and Texas. Trump's appeal to Latine voters in these key electoral states illuminates a shift in group Latine identity while uncovering a disengagement with political systems among Latine that is seen by their low voting turnout. I assert that there is not one specific factor that influenced the increase in Latine voting for Trump; rather it is a combination of significant categories that is rooted in a “guest mentality” and a desire among Latine to instill safety and security within their position. This thesis then focuses on how Trump’s production of the “good immigrant” and “bad immigrant” through political messaging and his political person are major influencers of why U.S. Latine vote for Trump. I argue that the Latine who voted for Trump did so because of their alienation from the American political systems, Trump’s political persona, economic issues, and familial ties to the United States. These factors reveal that Latine immigrants need to assimilate to American norms and culture to secure their position within U.S society.

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Location (Creation)

Denver, Colo.

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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