Florida has long been a gateway for new residents entering our nation. By 2010, one in five Florida residents was born outside the United States.
The dynamics of registered voters have shifted to reflect the influx of immigrants who have moved here in the last decade. The Partnership for a New American Economy (PNAE) found that many of the values shared among immigrants align with conservative politics, particularly social issues and religion.
While these voters often find their values align with those of conservative candidates, harsh rhetoric on the sensitive issue of immigration can alienate these individuals. The conservative message on the issue of immigration has been inconsistent at best, but members of Congress who are aggressively pushing for immigration reform are enjoying a rise in voter popularity.
