(RALEIGH) -- The emerging influence of Hispanic voters could keep North Carolina in the "swing state" column in the years ahead. President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are heavily courting those votes in the presidential election.

Jim Williams of Public Policy Polling said the GOP's policies on immigration could hurt its chances with Hispanics. "I think a lot of it has to do with immigration.  Republicans have taken a pretty hard line on immigration and deportation and things like that and Hispanic voters see that and I think they feel more comfortable with the Democratic party's stance, which is a little bit more liberal in terms of allowing a path to citizenship," said Williams.

He added that while immigration and health care are important issues in the Hispanic community, they are more likely to base their vote on the economy.