(CNN) -- Comprehensive immigration reform has so far eluded President Barack Obama. But with his re-election victory in battleground states propelled by strong Latino support, Democrats and Republicans in Congress have a stronger interest in cultivating support from a group with growing political clout. Here are five reasons why the time may be right for immigration reform to take hold in Washington. 1) The voters have spoken Immigration reform may not have been the biggest issue in the election -- the economy was paramount -- but it is very important to a key segment of voters. Latino voters turned out in force and helped to tip battleground states in Obama's favor. The number of registered Latinos has increased by 26% in the past four years to 12.2 million, or 8.7% of all voters. That means this demographic will only increase its political power. Issues important to this minority logically will become increasingly important to both major political parties.
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Barack Obama promised but couldn't deliver comprehensive reform
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Latinos factored heavily in Obama's re-election, giving them more political clout
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In defeat, Republicans may see immigration reform as politically smart
The Democrats will have to work with @placeholder if they want to reform an immigration system both parties agree is broken.