FACT: Hispanic population on way to making its statement

In a recent poll by NBC/MSNBC/Telemundo, the general consensus is that there is a diversity of positions on the immigration issue, but this is clearly polarized when the white population is measured against Latinos. The poll reached the political conclusion that in the short term Republicans will see gains, but in the long run Hispanic demographics will prove a powerful force. And this will likely be anti-GOP.

As an example, 70 percent of whites favor Arizona’s recently passed immigration law SB 1070, versus only 31 percent of Hispanics. Further, 58 percent of Latinos strongly oppose it. Although this is a national representation, the key is just where is the Hispanic population highest, and able to turn their views into votes.

I did some research using Census data and came up with the following:

The top ten states with the highest Hispanic population are California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Mexico, Colorado and Washington, in that order. Total population in the ten states is 29,072,086, almost 10 percent of the U.S. population. Hispanics nationwide represent 12.5 percent compared to 69.1 for whites, 12.3 for Blacks and 3.8 Asians.

But the Hispanics also score impressive numbers when it comes to their income. Just over 63 percent have incomes of $25,000 or more, 30 percent over $50,000.

When you take a hibernating population composed of significant numbers that has been awakened out of its complacency—In many cases apathy—by a movement that represents their civil rights, and combine that with the education and financial means to stand up for their cause, the end result is usually change.

But the change won’t be automatic, and those who are in this country illegally must stand up now and get in line to achieve their right to be here legally. Whether it is amnesty, deportation, or other options, perhaps a combination of all, both President Obama and Congress must address this issue, not after the November election, but now.

Arizona’s ill-advised immigration law—set to go into effect this Thursday—started the ball rolling, and in many of the ten states, above, as well as across the U.S., registration drives have already begun to get the Hispanic population to the polls in November. With this kind of determination, I wouldn’t be so quick to assume even a short term gain by the GOP.

Census data compliments of EASI

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