Independents chose not to be in a political party and cannot be further disenfranchised as they CHOSE to disenfranchise themselves. What they might or might not do in a general election has nothing to do with the primary.
They have chosen not to affiliate, that’s fine. But don’t presume that they are unaware.
As Independents become the majority of voters in several states, ignore them at your peril.
They will vote for a more centrist candidate from either party. And if we don’t stop the invasion of future Democrat voters from the Southern border, we will effectively shrink to where the Republican party completely loses it’s significance.
California is the best example.