Biden Stays Strong on Immigration
“Why should I register as a Democrat?” Juan sensed he was being signed up for something he didn’t want. “Maybe I want to vote for somebody else?”
Hector leaned back and held his hands up, “OK, Señor Torres. Look, nobody’s making you do anything. I’m just here to help.”
He’s back to calling me ‘Señor Torres’ again. Juan felt that was more appropriate.
“But think about this,” Hector continued. “There’s a lot of people who deserve the same chance you’ve had. A chance to make a better life for themselves. A chance to take care of their loved ones and families back home. Let me guess, you’ve been sending money back to Mexico for years, haven’t you?”
Juan didn't answer. He didn't have to. Everyone knew Mexican families relied on financial remittances from their relatives in the United States.
“And Trump’s said publicly that he’s going to deport tens of thousands of ‘illegals,’” Hector arched an eyebrow, “No?”
Juan nodded. He’d heard the former President say that on television. “But he didn’t do that last time. He just deported gangsters.”
Hector shook his head slowly like Juan had missed the most important point, “You know it’s different now, don’t you?”
Juan didn’t know what Hector was implying.
So, Hector said the quiet part out loud, “The white people are afraid of us. But the Democrats know that the future is brown. This country is changing, and everybody knows it. Pretty soon, America is going to be run by people that look like you and me. Only the Democrats embrace this reality.”
Maria gasped.
“We don’t talk like that in this house!” Juan objected.
Hector leaned forward, “You know I’m right,” he said. “Think about it. President Biden, your President, the man who gave you your citizenship. He’s keeping the border open so that more of our people can come here and get the same opportunities you’ve had.”
Juan felt queasy. There’s a lot of truth to what he’s saying. But it didn’t feel right. Nothing about this unusual encounter felt right. He looked over at Maria. She was staring at him intently from the kitchen. "No,” he said at last.
“No?” Hector looked surprised. “No, what?”
“No, I don’t want to register as a Democrat.”
Hector rolled his eyes, “C’mon, Juan!” he objected, “You can’t seriously be thinking about the Republicans. How many of your friends and family are they going to arrest if Trump gets back in?”
“I don’t want the Republicans either,” now Juan was starting to become upset. “I have a right to vote for whoever I want!”
Hector’s hands went back up in the air. “Hey, hey,” he said. “Take it easy. I’m just here to help. Let me know what you want, whatever you need. Maybe you want to register as an Independent?”
Juan glanced sideways between Hector and Maria, looking for some sort of confirmation. “Yeah,” he’d begun to reach a decision. “Yeah. I like that. Maybe I’m an Independent.”
“They don't have any strong candidates. I'd hate to see you throw your vote away," Hector began. But Juan cut him off with a stern look.
“OK,” Hector typed a few more lines onto his tablet. “No problem. I’ve listed you as an Independent. You’re a man who knows his own mind, Señor Torres. Congratulations. There is no primary election for people registered Independent in Arizona, but you will be able to vote in the general election in November. Your ballot will come in the mail in a couple of weeks. OK?”
Juan breathed a little easier. “OK,” he said. It really was helpful to have this man take care of the computer stuff for him. I ought to be grateful.
“Now then,” Hector said. “Before I leave, are there any other members of your household that still haven’t registered to vote?”
Before Hector left the house that day, Juan, Maria, Sofia, and Carlos (who would receive a military absentee ballot) were all signed up.