Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush has decided to endorse Mitt Romney, and while he claims that it was not due to any particular issue, the fact is that this endorsement can only be seen in a negative light given Romney’s cruel “self-deportation” immigration policy. Even though Jeb Bush was for long considered the prudent voice of common sense and compassion within the Republican party, it has now been made clear that he has decided to take sides with Tea Party-enthusiasts rather than alongside candidates whose proposed policies make common sense. Jeb Bush called the DREAM Act a “fair policy,” but Mitt Romney has come out against supporting undocumented youth attaining citizenship through these means, promising to veto the bill if it is passed. Jeb Bush has repeatedly warned Republicans to tone down their harsh rhetoric on immigration yet he has given into his party’s anti-immigrant stance.

Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush has decided to endorse Mitt Romney, and while he claims that it was not due to any particular issue, the fact is that this endorsement can only be seen in a negative light given Romney’s cruel “self-deportation” immigration policy. Even though Jeb Bush was for long considered the prudent voice of common sense and compassion within the Republican party, it has now been made clear that he has decided to take sides with Tea Party-enthusiasts rather than alongside candidates whose proposed policies make common sense. Jeb Bush called the DREAM Act a “fair policy,” but Mitt Romney has come out against supporting undocumented youth attaining citizenship through these means, promising to veto the bill if it is passed. Jeb Bush has repeatedly warned Republicans to tone down their harsh rhetoric on immigration yet he has given into his party’s anti-immigrant stance.

In Romney’s view, the only way undocumented immigrants should have a chance to gain citizenship is through serving in the military, hence his support for the ARMS Act. But this is in no shape or form a sensible bill. It is full of provisions that have the potential to deport a veteran if he were to become injured, demonstrating a lack of understanding or interest in those being most drastically affected. As it were, Jeb Bush has taken pains to distance himself from Romney’s stances, claiming in an interview that “I don’t agree with Mitt’s view on immigration in their totality, but that’s OK.” But Mitt Romney’s stance on immigration goes well beyond being a simple opponent of what they like to claim would be granting “amnesty,” Romney’s stance is inhumane. His concept of “self-deportation” essentially denies water, shelter, food or the basic necessities of life until an undocumented immigrant leaves on their own will. That is why the fact that he brushed off this extreme rhetoric as simply “OK” is appalling. For Latino families, Jeb Bush’ endorsement of Romney shows a dangerous path, and a lack of understanding and caring for our communities. He has decided to ignore the fact that 91% of Latinos support the DREAM Act, including those in Florida where Jeb Bush used to be governor and still currently lives. He has decided to follow his party into the void rather than lead his party to the future.