A comprehensive study was just completed by the Hispanic Federation and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) showing shifting priorities for the U.S. Latino population and a galvanization of this population behind the issue of immigration. The U.S. Hispanic community like the rest of America typically has listed jobs, the economy and education as priorities, not any more. The study shows that immigration is now statistically more important than jobs, specifically for every 9 out of 10 Latinos.
The majority of Hispanics even those that are U.S. born, multi-generational and “highly” acculturated are unified in opposition to Arizona SB1070, in support of immigration reform with a path to citizenship and most importantly ready to act on the issue at the voting booth. 86% of those polled want to see legislation that includes a path to citizenship, a mandate being ignored by most Republicans who continue to focus on border security and not pointedly addressing what to do with the estimated 12 million undocumented individuals that are already here.
The majority of those polled in fact are Democrats, which is not surprising, but there is an estimated 33% independents who regardless of political affiliation want immigration reform to become a priority. The most surprising element of the study was the large number of Hispanics who intend to vote their voice and register to vote if they are not already. The U.S. Latino population that is typically optimistic about the U.S. and the direction it is heading appears to be more pessimistic and all indications are that negative sentiment started with the passing of Arizona SB1070.
