Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
In the wake of the 2008 elections, the Immigration Policy Center issued a report titled The New Electoral Landscape and What It Means for Immigration Reform: Latinos, Asians, and New Americans Redefine 21st Century American Politics (pdf) analyzing voter turnout and voting patterns among Latinos, Asians, and “New Americans.” Highlights of the report include the following findings:
- Latinos are a rapidly growing share of the electorate
- Republicans are losing ground among both Latino and Asian voters
- From 2004 to 2008, Republicans lost ground with Latinos in key states
- Even a small Latino electorate can make the difference between victory and defeat in a close election
- Obama won the overwhelming majority of Latino and Asian votes
- Voters in general, as well as Latinos, support comprehensive immigration reform and oppose deportation-only policies
The report concludes:
“Latino, Asian, and New American voter turnout was at an all-time high in 2008. The power of these voters is now undeniable, and immigrant-bashing has become a losing campaign strategy. All signs indicate that the incoming administration and Congress will tackle immigration reform, and that the leadership of the Republican Party is rethinking its position on the issue.”