Why You, as an Immigrant, Should Vote

by Rajiv Nemani

Voting is a crucial pillar of modern democracies. It is how everyday people, like you and I, get our voices heard by politicians and those in power. We are so lucky to live in a country with free and fair elections that allow the people to make changes themselves.

However, this democratic system functions only as well as its voters. If no one votes, then no one gets their voice heard. At that point, there’s no reason to have a democracy. The more people vote, the more effective democracies become.

Most immigrants miss out on this great opportunity, however. According to a study done by the PEW research center, only about 54% of naturalized immigrants who are eligible to vote actually voted. That means almost half of the immigrants who are eligible to vote don’t even bother voting. Moreover, only 54% of foreign-born citizens vote, compared to 62% of US-born citizens. This means that on average, immigrants are less likely to vote in the US.

When the voter turnout among immigrants falls, fewer politicians supported by immigrants make it into office. Many in the US seek to restrict immigration or worry about immigration. Immigrants in Washington and in the US as a whole need to voice their opinions so they can protect their own rights.

Less immigrant turnout means fewer immigrants and fewer foreign-born residents making policies in Congress. Roughly 25% of the US’s population comprises either first—or second-generation immigrants, but only 15% of Congress is made up of first—or second-generation immigrants. The impact of immigrants in office is key—when immigrant representation in government increases, it motivates immigrants across the country to vote.

When fewer immigrants vote, immigration-related issues and topics are placed on the back burner for politicians and people in power. For the US to end the inequalities that immigrants face, it’s important that every immigrant, including you, votes in the upcoming election on November 5th.

References:

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/27/key-findings-about-us-immigrants/

https://map.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/locations/national/

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/28/immigrants-and-children-of-immigrants-make-up-at-least-15-of-the-118th-congress/

https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2020/08/20/facts-on-u-s-immigrants/