Though foreign policy is one of the biggest campaign issues in this year's presidential election, immigration seems to be one aspect that could sway one large block of voters.
Roberto Deposada, president of The Latino Coalition, a national organization representing Latino interests, said he expects a massive Latino voter turnout on Tuesday.
The coalition, along with other Hispanic groups, has decided to officially support President George W. Bush.
Others include the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters, Hispanic Business Roundtable and Latino Peace Officers Association.
"One of the things we found was the hypocrisy of the Kerry campaign when it comes to immigration," Deposada said.
"John Kerry only talks about immigration when he's talking to Hispanic groups," he added.
Desposada said the coalition is non-partisan, and they support Democrats and Republicans.
"Hispanics think they always have to vote for Democrats," he said.
Not all Democrats are our friends, and not all Republicans are our enemies," Deposada added.
Jennifer Moreno, president of Penn State's Latino Caucus, said she did not know the coalition was supporting Bush.
"I'm voting for Kerry. I think we would have more benefits with Kerry," she said.
"I think it's a mistake for them to support Bush," Moreno added.
Moreno said Kerry deserved a chance.
"A lot of Latinos aren't that well informed, and they just go by what everyone else is doing," she said.
"They definitely need to go out and vote, but they should make sure they know what they are voting for," Moreno added.
According to Kerry's Web site, www.JohnKerry.com, Kerry believes the current immigration system needs to be changed and plans to release an immigration reform bill within his first 100 days in office.
The reform bill would put illegal immigrants on the path to legalization, help reunite families, create a visa program for workers and strengthen border security.
According to Bush's Web site, www.whitehouse.gov/president, the president wants to implement a temporary worker program to give legal status to people now here illegally.
It says immigrants "should be greeted with open arms, not endless lines."
Bill Strassberger, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman, said the current immigration policy is to encourage safe and legal immigration into the United States.
He said Bush has introduced a temporary guest worker program and has submitted bills to Congress.
"It's based on principles of what they would like to see," Strassberger said.
Megan Green, Penn State College Democrats president, said the coalition's support of Bush will not affect the election.
"I think in the end, there will be a split vote. I can understand the increased support that they have," she said.
"I'm not really surprised since Bush has loosened restrictions. There's still a substantial proportion of the population who will still be voting for Kerry," Green added.
