(CNN) -- There are two groups of Republicans: Those who pander to nativists by encouraging anti-Latino prejudice and exploiting the fear and anxiety that come from changing demographics, and those who tolerate the first group. Both groups are spoiling the Grand Old Party. And they're making life too easy for Democrats, who -- while never particularly good at addressing the needs and concerns of Latino voters -- have lately excelled in the neglect department. The more Latinos are antagonized by Republicans, the more they get ignored by Democrats. Ain't that swell? The result for America's largest minority is a political paradox, where the media insists this community has tremendous power while those of us within the community know the opposite is true. We're not getting stronger. We're getting weaker.
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Ruben Navarrette: Anti-immigration Republicans are spoiling the Grand Old Party
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Navarrette: Some Democrats say race is a reason for failure of immigration reform
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He says racism isn't limited to one party; it never has been in history
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Navarrette: There are anti-Latino elements in Democratic and Republican parties
Democrats are no more eager to divide their party than @placeholder are to divide theirs.
Since most immigrants to the United States, both legal and illegal, are now Latino, @placeholder are afraid that -- whichever way the debate goes -- they'll be painted as "anti-Latino," which will lead to another beating at the ballot box.