Spanish language media has irrational focus on immigration

Washington Times:

For most voters, the Republicans’ nominating convention has been filled with speeches about jobs, the economy, federal spending and President Obama’s record. But for Hispanic voters getting their news from the Spanish-language press, the view is very different — and decidedly unsympathetic to the Republican Party.

Heading into the convention, English-language coverage of last week’s platform fights concentrated on abortion and gay marriage. But Spanish-language reports zeroed in on an immigration battle, which saw Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach win passage of a strict enforcement plank in the document.

While the English press this week has wondered about which Republicans would mention Medicare, and who would play the attack-dog role for the GOP, Spanish-language media have been focused on what hasn’t been addressed: immigration.

“The questions are, ‘Yeah, let’s talk about the economy, let’s talk about Medicare. But then why haven’t they talked about immigration?’” asked Alfonso Aguilar, executive director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, who made the rounds of Spanish-language press in Tampa. “All the Spanish-language media is obsessed, focused, on that issue.”

That is not good news for Mitt Romney, whose position — the strictest enforcement stance of any major political party nominee in history — does not go over well with Hispanic voters.

Meanwhile, Mr. Obama has taken steps, including his recent non-deportation policy, that have helped erase criticism from immigration rights advocates.
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No one ever ask this question, but it should be asked.  Why do Hispanic voters care about immigration enforcement and what is the alternative they desire?  Enforcing immigration law will not have a direct effect on Hispanic voters since they are already citizens.  Not enforcing the immigration laws only drives up Hispanic unemployment.  Is the issue more about tribal affinity than rational self interest?