Latino vote
A study by the Center for Immigration Studies projected that in November 2012 Hispanics would comprise 17.2 percent of the total U.S. population, 15 percent of adults, 11.2 percent of adult citizens, and 8.9 percent of actual voters. By comparison, the report found that in 2012, non-Hispanic whites are expected to be 73.4 percent of the national vote and non-Hispanic blacks are expected to be 12.2 percent. The report noted that by weight "eight percentage points of the Hispanic vote nationally equals slightly less than one percentage point of the non-Hispanic white vote." The study also found that the 8.9 percent Hispanic share of voters compares to veterans (12 percent of the electorate), those with family incomes above $100,000 (18 percent), seniors 65 and older (19 percent), married persons (60 percent), and those who live in owner-occupied housing (80 percent).
National Plan for Hispanic Ministry
In 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau there were more than 48 million Hispanics in the U.S. Another report foresees the Hispanic or Latino population rising from 16% today to 30% by 2050. There is no doubt ministry to Hispanic populations should be one of the greater priorities of any church in the U.S. if that church wants to become a vital part of society in the future. Yet churches are often unsure of how to deal with immigration and the problems of immigrant communities. For instance, almost a quarter of the Hispanic/Latino population which are illegal aliens and if churches truly want to serve and welcome “the strangers among their midst,” this is one issue which must be faced. Among U.S. Christians, there is much quandary as to how to do this. For instance, Evangelical Christians were asked, by Christianity Today, how illegal aliens should be dealt with. A whopping 82% know that the Bible verses on “welcoming the stranger” (Matthew 25:31-46) has much to do with how we should deal with immigrants. However, within that same group, were varying opinions regarding how to deal with illegal immigration. Fifty four (54%) percent said the government should adopt policies giving illegal immigrants a better “path to citizenship” while 31% say there should be blanket amnesty while 15% say the current laws have to be enforced. The issue of illegal immigrants and how U.S. Christians think of the issue reflects the general uncertainty around the more general issue of changing demographics and the role churches will play in the lives of these people.