Republican presidential prospects like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul declined invitations to participate in the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce annual legislative summit this weekend.

Their absence has raised questions about whether they were worried about the organization’s support for immigration reform, or whether they are avoiding Latinos.

“if you’re trying to get to the White House and you’re not openly engaging America’s Hispanic vote, you’re not going to get there. It’s just that simple.” said Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.