In the USA the Latino vote, which accounts for 10% of the of the total number of ballots cast across all demographic groups in the USA, is a really an important part of campaigning for parties because of its huge influence that it has in the elections.
This vote has been growing steadily, and this year in the American election the vote is expected to increase by 2 million people.
Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside”. In the case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, U.S. 649 (1898), the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a person becomes a citizen of the United States at the time of birth, by virtue of the first clause of the 14th Amendment.
This key factor allows many children born in the USA to become citizens and to be able to vote. Which we currently see in all media is, especially in this year’s election, is really important for candidates who want to win the seat in the White House.
So how does this have any relevance to our situation here. In South Africa there are an estimated 5 million illegal immigrants within our borders. Most who are young and come here seeking better opportunities and lives.
According to the South Africa Citizenship Act, NO. 88 OF 1995, “Any person - who is born in the Republic on or after the date of commencement of this act shall be a South African citizen by birth.”
When the children of these 5 million people grow up, presuming their parents get them citizenship, and reach the age where they are old enough to vote, the country will be with at least a few million more possible voters who are not linked to the current ruling party, and do not feel obliged to vote for the party who did not free them, since they came here seeking better lives from other countries.
These people will become a crucial part of voters for any party, be it for the current ruling party or any of its rivals. They will vote for the party who will overall improve their lives because of no past loyalty that they have.
(This article isn't to discuss why the people still vote ANC or for someone to comment as if they understand the psyche of the poor or to say that we’re 18 years into democracy. I’m still 18, part of the born-frees, and I still do silly things.)
This above mentioned opportunity for opposition parties is one that not many have talked about, but will surely in a few years time play a major role in our politics. These votes will in our near future be up for grabs, and is a good place to start investing in as a political party.
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