Thousands Of People Become US Citizens At Mass Naturalization CeremonyThousands Of People Become US Citizens At Mass Naturalization Ceremony

BY PETER GILL : People take the oath of citizenship as 18,418 people are sworn in as US citizens during naturalization ceremonies at the Los Angeles Convention Center on August 28, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Immigrants, especially Latinos, which now make up 15 percent of the US population, play an increasingly important role in US politics. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who could benefit from a strong Hispanic following of former presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who now campaigns for him, has set aside $20 million for Latino outreach. Republican rival John McCain has also stepped up efforts to attract Latinos, focusing particularly on those in the military. The US Department of Homeland Security reports that citizenship applications have jumped by more than 100 percent since 2006, a surge in naturalization that is expected to add to the 17 million existing eligible Latino voters nationwide and lead to an anticipated record of 9.2 million Latinos voting in the November presidential election. Issues of interest to Latinos include the slumping economy, employment, health care, housing, and immigration reform.