In a recent article, The New York Times explored how the Democratic Party’s disastrous immigration policies, particularly efforts to expedite the naturalization process, could reshape the U.S. electorate ahead of the upcoming election. The piece underscores how these policies are leading to a surge in new citizens who are eager to vote, potentially influencing key electoral outcomes.
According to Xiao Wang, Chief Executive of Boundless, a company that assists immigrants and analyzes immigration trends, “The surge in naturalization efficiency isn’t just about clearing backlogs; it’s potentially reshaping the electorate, merely months before a pivotal election. Every citizenship application could be a vote that decides Senate seats or even the presidency.”
The article draws attention to the fact that while the naturalization of lawful residents generally enjoys bipartisan support, the approach to illegal immigration remains a contentious issue. It also contrasts the current administration’s streamlined naturalization processes with the Trump administration’s approach, which, according to the Times, slowed down the process, preventing an estimated 300,000 potential voters from participating in the 2020 election.
The Times notes that about nine million green-card holders are currently eligible for citizenship, a group that could significantly influence the outcome of the election, particularly in swing states like Florida. With a large population of immigrants who qualify for citizenship, Florida’s electoral votes are crucial for any presidential candidate, making the acceleration of naturalization processes a potentially game-changing factor.
The article also quotes Vice President Kamala Harris, who has called for comprehensive immigration reform, including strong border security measures and an earned pathway to citizenship. Harris’s stance reflects the Democratic strategy to mobilize new voters through immigration policies.
As the election nears, the role of newly naturalized citizens and the impact of these immigration policies will be critical to watch, with both parties recognizing the potential shifts in the electorate that could determine the election’s outcome.
