National Latino Organizations Urge Presidential Hopefuls to Adopt 'Latino Agenda'
A national coalition of 40 prominent Latino organizations came together to urge the 2016 presidential hopefuls to adopt a "Latino agenda," by recommending policies that will improve the lives of Latinos in America.
The coalition, known as the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), released a letter addressed to all candidates, according to Buzzfeed.
"This is a unique opportunity to engage on real issues, substantial issues critical to Latinos," said NHLA Chair Hector Sanchez. "If presidential candidates want the Latino vote, it's a priority to know where they stand."
The letter calls for an increase in minimum wage, comprehensive immigration reform, a better education system and more.
"The future of education in the nation is a Latino future," Sanchez said, adding that 25 percent of students in the U.S. are Latino.
The letter also calls for candidates to continue Obamacare and to protect voting rights.
After sending out the letter ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month, NHLA received responses from a few Democratic hopefuls including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley. The Latino coalition also received responses from GOP hopeful Jim Gilmore.
Meanwhile, NHLA, which comprises of both conservative and liberal organizations, demanded an apology from billionaire GOP hopeful Donald Trump before they meet with him to discuss policy priorities regarding the "Latino Agenda," NBC News reports.
Sanchez said Trump tried meeting with NHLA after his official launch for presidency campaign debut. The group refused to meet with the business mogul after he claimed Mexico is sending over "rapists" and "killers" into the U.S. Trump has also vowed to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S.
"The conditions were he had to apologize, no media and he'd have to come to D.C.," Sanchez said.
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