First, he notes that the Latino community is only thought of as “the Latino community” by those not in it — that there isn’t a single definitional (or electoral) strain that runs through everyone who, at least according to the Census Bureau, is Hispanic. …

The simple fact is that there is no real “Latino vote” but rather a series of smaller splinters — based largely around country of origin — suggests that the current tendency in politics to treat all Hispanics with a broad-brush message may be missing the point. That may become more evident as the Latino community in the U.S. continues to grow and expand — and politicians’ understanding of it grows more nuanced.

The second key takeaway from Lozada’s piece is that because there isn’t a “Hispanic” vote, it’s also impossible/wrong to describe the issues that everyone in that non-existent community cares about. And so is the idea — forwarded in some Republican circles — that passing comprehensive immigration reform will solve the GOP’s issues in courting Hispanics. (Many GOPers — including the likes of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham — view comprehensive immigration reform as a first step, not a last one, in courting the Hispanic community.)