Mitt Romney’s immigration stance criticized by Latino Mormons

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has had the support from many followers of the Mormon faith, but his immigration stance has alienated Latinos in the church.

Latino Mormons are critical of Romney’s stance on immigration for religious and social reasons. Many object to his rejection of the DREAM Act and say that his position is hypocritical because it betrays a basic belief in the faith that immigrants should be protected. The Book of Mormon and the Church of the Latter Day Saints have numerous stories both contain stories of immigrations.

Those critical of Romney’s immigration policies also note that Romney’s great grandfather Miles fled to Mexico when polygamy was outlawed in the U.S. in 1892.

Latinos who converted to Mormonism were attracted to the conservative beliefs and the idea that immigrants should be protected.

While Latino Mormons only make up 7 percent of Mormons in the country, Latino voters in all are a formidable force. Close to 12 million Latinos have gotten legal residency through an immigration attorney and will be eligible to vote in the general election next fall.

Strict immigration policies and objection to the DREAM Act, which would give young Latinos, who attend college or serve in the military, a pathway to citizenship can cause the Republican Party Latino votes.

Young Latinos are often brought here by their parents who chose to bypass the legal means of residency facilitated by an immigration lawyer. They don’t know a life outside of the United States and although an immigration attorney can help them become legal, it would require they leave the country and be separated from their families.