Four Reasons Why Hispanics Matter in Iowa—PICTURES

The Opposition: Almost two-thirds of likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers say that illegal immigration is a serious problem, according to a CBS/New York Times poll. Hard-line rhetoric embraced by tea party supporters and GOP candidates has alienated Latino voters at a time when their power to swing elections is growing stronger. (CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP)

Growing in Number: Iowa is one of the least diverse states, but its Latino population soared by 83 percent in the last decade. Latinos now account for 5 percent of the population, up from 2.8 percent in 2000, according to the census bureau. (PETER BELL/NATIONAL JOURNAL)

Small-Town Strength: In rural and small-town Iowa, even modest numbers of Latino immigrants can have a large impact. (In several places, the Latino share of the population is comparable to that of metropolitan Chicago.) Perry, a common campaign stop 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, has a population of 8,882 -- and one-third of those residents are Latino. (BETH REINHARD)

Alienated by Policy: In response to immigration concerns, GOP candidates have moved to the right with hopes of currying support from hard-line conservatives. Even Newt Gingrich, whose proposed immigration policy was tarred as "amnesty" by his rivals, signed a pledge with Americans for Securing the Border to build a "double fence" along the Mexican border. (CHARLES DHARAPAK/AP)