Somos’ Melissa Morales on Tax Day: “President Trump is weaponizing the tax process”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tax Day, following news that the IRS plans to share undocumented immigrants’ data with U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and putting working people at risk for deportation, Melissa Morales, Founder and President of Somos Votantes, shared the following statement:
“Tax Day is usually a time for working Americans to fulfill their civic duty. Instead, this year reminds us of this Administration’s broken promises to working people, including hardworking Latino families. Rather than enact a fair tax code, President Trump is pursuing a reckless tariff strategy that is raising costs on families while preparing another tax giveaway to the wealthiest.
Meanwhile, the Administration is slashing the IRS – that would allow wealthy tax cheats a free pass while using sensitive IRS data to put millions of hardworking people at risk of deportation. Not only does this create a climate of fear and distrust—it weakens our economy. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions to our economy, paying a higher tax rate than 55 big corporations. When immigrants fear that paying their taxes could lead to legal issues, they are forced into the shadows, reducing federal revenue. President Trump is weaponizing the tax process not for public safety, but to send a chilling message to working immigrants that their livelihoods are still at risk even when they voluntarily contribute their fair share.
Our tax system should work for everyone—not just the wealthy few who get big tax breaks while working people shoulder the cost.”
Last month, Somos Votantes released a poll reflecting deep economic anxieties felt by Latinos across the country. Economic issues are at the forefront of Latino voters’ minds, with 67% rating the U.S. economy as poor and only 14% saying they live comfortably. The poll also showed that Latino voters view Trump’s economic record as a significant liability: 63% believe he prioritizes the wealthy over working families, and his handling of the economy has resulted in a net -13 disapproval rating.
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About Somos Votantes
Somos Votantes is a Latino-led, Latino-focused organization that runs some of the largest independent Latino civic and voter engagement programs in the country. We envision a nation where hardworking Latinos have the opportunities and tools to fully participate in our democracy. Somos Votantes seeks to empower hardworking Latinos in shaping the future of our democracy, primarily through non-partisan civic engagement programs, by increasing our participation in elections and advocating for progressive policies.
Visit https://www.somosvotantes.com/ for more information on this program and other projects, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and X.