Introduction
Traditionally the Democratic Party has always gained the favor of the Hispanic community. Records as far back as the 1960s show an overwhelming support for the party from the Hispanic community. Recent polls seem to support this by showing the gap between the Hispanic republicans and Hispanic democrats grew further during the Obama/McCain race than during the Bush/Kerry race. 57% of Hispanics registered identified themselves as Democrats while 27% identified themselves as republicans. It should be noted however that the Hispanic Democrats also outnumbered the Hispanic republicans during the Bush/Kerry election by at least 15%. Thus a historical loyalty to the Democratic Party is still sustained even today
Main Text
At 15% the Hispanic-American population of the United States makes up the fastest growing minority in the United States. In 2008 the Latino community cited the economy and employment as their main concerns during the upcoming elections, but cited that immigration was “never far from their minds”. In relation to whites and blacks who make up 69% and 13% of the American population respectively. The economy and employment remained the top issue among those groups as well with immigration somewhat important. Thus, all communities share the same concerns. The main difference in the Latino community comes from the desire to focus on the main issues while preserving their culture.
The article from U.S news cites the changing views of the G.O.P regarding illegal immigration in the United States. It states that the Hispanic community is gradually moving away from its support of the Republican Party. This is due to its hard-line policies on illegal immigration taking opportunities away from hard-working members of the Latino community and their children. It also cites a differing reason later on in the article showing that republican failings regarding the economy have been the reason for their lessening support. It goes on further to show what the republicans need to accomplish in order to get the support of this constituency.
In my viewpoint Illegal Immigration has now become an integral part of the U.S economy. The workers which make up much of the illegal workforce in the United States today is responsible for doing several low wage jobs that no other American is willing to take. If illegal immigration would stop such jobs would no longer be competitive causing a raise in wages and hurting the U.S economy in the long term.
It could be argued that this increases the unemployment rate, however they create demands within society for food, necessities and luxuries which leads to the creation of new jobs. They also fulfill roles in meat-packing, agriculture and construction industry keeping the costs of things like produce and housing affordable.
Conclusion
However the one true negative that adversely affects the U.S economy due to illegal immigration is the billions of dollars of net revenue tax income lost because they do not file tax returns. However, as I said before illegal immigrants are such a part of the U.S economy now that the only option viable to lawmakers would be to make them U.S citizens. After all weren’t the original settlers’ illegal immigrants in the first place.
References
Ewers, J. (2009). Republicans and Latino Voters: Has the GOP Shifted on Immigration Reform? Web.
Paul Taylor, R. F. (2007). Hispanics and the 2008 Election: A Swing Vote? Web.
PBS. (2008). Latinos ‘ 08. Web.