Latino Birthrates Falling In Arizona

The Latino birthrate fell in Arizona, according to a recent state study, and this means that projected growth for the state will be less than anticipated. We already reported that Latinos were leaving the state by the hundreds of thousands post-SB 1070, now there’s this:

From roughly 2000 to 2010, total fertility rates for Hispanic women declined from 3.0 births per woman to 2.4, according to the Arizona State Demographer’s Office. The drop was most pronounced for Hispanic women younger than 20 years old. Birthrates for Hispanic women 35 years and older increased slightly but are a relatively small portion of total births.

This is due partially to economic prosperity and the choice not to have as many children, according to state sources, but it’s also on par with a lower birthrate for women generally. Part of this is due, in turn, to the current economic recession.

So if there are less Latinos in Arizona, does that mean that SB 1070-type legislation will get better or worse?

Well, overall, the state may have already lost out on political clout because of population declines as the result of laws like SB 1070 driving away Latinos — and this isn’t even taking into account the federal monies tied to those population losses. Seems to be a “only time will tell” kind of situation.