Published: 12.09.2007

How clout of Latinos will shape our future
Tucson may be half-Hispanic by 2015, and influence grows
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
The presence of Latinos in Tucson is obvious almost everywhere, from the thump of banda beats from car stereos to the city's nickname, the Old Pueblo.
Latinos already are integral to Tucson politics, education, business and social life — and if changing ethnic demographics continue, they most likely will become even more influential.
Fueled by higher birthrates, domestic and international migration and longer life expectancies, Tucson's population is expected to be 50 percent Latino by 2015, the U.S. Census reports.
Tucson's youth already are familiar with the community they'll inherit and may not even notice the demographic shift. How local institutions will adapt to a Latino majority is less clear. A large Latino population doesn't automatically mean greater political power or business influence, though roots seem to have taken hold.
Nationally, there's been a rise in anti-Latino sentiment and hate crimes against Latinos, although hate crimes in Tucson are rare. And local students and some academics are quick to point out that as the Latino population continues to grow, legislation and political action perceived as anti-Latino will be met with community opposition.Read more about how Tucson's changing ethnic demographics will affect us all. Page A4
Find out more about the poll and read more stories about Pima County's growth in the Star's Pima County at One Million series at go.azstarnet.com/onemillion.
Related link:
Read more about Pima County's changing ehtnic demographics and the entire Pima County at One Million series.
Some thoughts on race
The Arizona Daily Star asked Tucson teens and young adults their thoughts on race. We invited students in public, private and charter schools as well as recent grads to answer 20 questions. Here are some of their thoughts. Read more on A6.
• Is race important?
No: 59% Yes: 41%
• Have you dated outside of your race?
Yes: 62% No: 38%
• Would you marry outside your race?
Yes: 80% No: 20%
• Is racial profiling a helpful tool for police?
No: 60% Yes: 40%
• Would you vote for a minority presidential candidate?
Yes: 86% No: 14%
How to contact the reporters
• George B. Sánchez at 573-4195 or at gsanchez@azstarnet.com
• Nathan Olivarez-Giles at 307-0579 or nolivarezgiles@azstarnet.com
• Nicole Santa Cruz is a University of Arizona student apprenticing at the Star. Contact her at 807-8012 or at starapprentice@azstarnet.com
• Gabriela Rico at 573-4232 or at grico@azstarnet.com.

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/215444