In the United States, the political balance has been challenged by the millions of new immigrants from Spanish-speaking nations. Now approaching 20% of the U.S. population, Hispanics, as these persons and their descendants are called, are becoming a larger portion of U.S. voters. Like most immigrant groups, Hispanics began as mostly supporters of the Democratic Party. However, as Hispanics assimilate into the economic, cultural, and political life of the country, more and more are voting Republican. This article explains what is behind this political shift. It also gives a short history of Hispanics in the U.S. and looks at possible futures.
