Census Proves Latino Communities To Be Key In Future of American Politics

The recently released Census data proves Latino communities are the second-largest population group across the country, with significant growth in areas across the nation. This will have long-standing impacts on the political future of the United States, and demonstrates that lawmakers must prioritize the needs of this community going forward. The results are clear. Latino population growth will play an outsized role in the redistricting of the nation and the securing of additional congressional seats.

The Census shows that more than one in four American children is Latino, while the Latin population overall grew by over 11 million. Our communities are the future of the nation, and the increased diversity of the U.S. shown in the Census data is a welcome step towards building a nation that is more equitable for all. This data must be considered at the federal level, when addressing the needs and concerns of Latin communities like immigration, the treatment of Puerto Rico, job stability, improved family leave, and more.

As the Supreme Court justices hear oral arguments over the 2020 census citizenship question, protesters have gathered outside the building in support of a fair and accurate census and demanding to not include the controversial question in the next census. Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Washington, D.C. (Photo by Aurora Samperio/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Since the year 2000, Latino population growth in the U.S. has steadily increased, but the political will to listen to Latin communities has not kept up. Puerto Rico continues to struggle with a lack of federal support, while Latin families across the country still struggle with childcare, unemployment, and poverty.

Now is the time to listen to the data and recognize that the United States is getting more diverse with time. We are no longer a nation for the few, and our policies must reflect these changing demographics.