The Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE), the Center for American Progress and the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations published a report titled "Latinos Are Shaping the Future of the United States," as part of their ongoing "U.S.-Mexico Moving Forward" series.

The series was launched to produce dialogue around the U.S. and Mexico's intertwined futures. By tradition, conversations on U.S.-Mexico relations have concentrated on drug policy, violence, crime and tradition. Exchanges rarely touched upon solutions, shared energy issues, fiscal interconnectedness, or the role Mexican Americans have played in developing the U.S.

The economy, mainstream culture and national politics are increasingly impacted by the presence of the Latino community. Nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population and more than 55 million people are individuals of Latino descent. Their numbers are so great that they've moved beyond traditional urban areas, making their presence known in every state in the nation, including Georgia and North Carolina. However, gains aren't limited to population growth. U.S. Latinos are making strides when comes to wealth, education attainment, and the political landscape. In no less than two decades, U.S. Latino advancements will have weighty implications for the U.S., Mexico, and the Americas.

Stereotypes and prejudice, and distorted perceptions suppress the truth of U.S. Latino contribution. Also, tension between the neighboring nations seems to quiet the fact that Mexicans Americans, who represent two-thirds of U.S.-dwelling Latinos, maintain connections with Mexico while fostering ties with the U.S. This has led to religious, linguistic and culture similarities shared by the two nations; yet, tensions persist between Latinos of both nations. In the U.S., Mexican Americans have earned a seat at the table, and the growing economic power of overall Latinos is visible through business ownership rates and market power.

Budding economic influence, as well as historic disenfranchisement, has motivated Latinos to show up in droves to the ballot box. Latinos have recognized their electoral power and they're eager to take charge of their futures. They've chosen to use their voters to boost awareness around issues such as education, jobs and the economy, and immigration. In 2012, more than 11 million Latinos voted; by 2030, there will be 40 million Latinos eligible to vote. The escalating turnout will likely translate to more Latinos being elected, emphasizing a transition to healthier relations between the U.S. and the rest of the Americans. That is particularly true if Mexican leaders acknowledge the veracity of issues faced by U.S. Latinos and the rise of Latino leaders, particularly Mexican American leaders.

"Changing demographics call us to rethink U.S. politics from scratch. The same is true for our neighbors south of the border. Increasingly, Mexico's future is determined not only in Mexico, but also in the United States. Our countries are growing together at a rapid pace -- a process that has its challenges but presents tremendous opportunities," said Michael Werz and Dan Restrepo, senior fellows for the National Security and International Policy team at the Center for American Progress, in a press release.

"That message is particularly important today as national security discussions are dominated by talk of nefarious nonstate actors and government-to-government relations."

Beyond politics, U.S. Latinos have proven their worth when it comes to national and international business. Latino consumers and Hispanic-owned business has been essential to economic rejuvenation, the generation of opportunities and job creation in the U.S. and abroad. The economic and electoral influence of U.S. Latinos is undeniable, something the U.S., Mexico and other nations must understand. They must adjust policies to accommodate the powerful, emerging demographic.

The Center for American Progress fingered a need for thought leaders and policymakers to discuss the Latinos and their influence, as well as the disconnect that exists between U.S. Latinos and Mexicans. Building economic, social and political bridges requires education exchanges, cultural interactions and business investments, which in turn would establish a sense of shared interests. Acknowledgement of shared history and heritage would foster the creation of joint solutions. Also Mexicans and U.S. Latinos could become strategic partners, but that begins with Mexico understanding that Latinos' role in U.S. has shifted from "strangers in their own land" to players who wield power in the White House, on Capitol Hill and in national organizations.

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