Simone Lawson
Naturalized citizens have the potential to significantly impact political campaigns and election results, particularly in swing states. About 10% of eligible voters in the 2020 election were naturalized citizens, and there has been notable growth in this population since then, with an estimated 3.5 million newly-naturalized voting-age adults. Naturalized citizens can shape election outcomes, especially in states like Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin, where their votes could exceed the margins that decided the 2020 election. Their party affiliations vary, with support for both Republicans and Democrats, and their top concerns are the cost of living and the economy. However, they typically vote less frequently than those born in the country. The high cost of political campaigns is a concern for many Americans, who believe it prevents good people from running for office and gives too much influence to donors and special interest groups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Influence of campaign donors and lobbyists | 80% of Americans believe that donors have too much influence on the decisions made by Congress |
| Spending limits | 72% of Americans believe that there should be limits on the amount spent in political campaigns |
| Cost of political campaigns | 85% of Americans believe that the cost prevents good people from running for office |
| Influence of special interest groups and lobbyists | 84% of Americans believe that special interest groups and lobbyists have too much influence in politics |
| Influence of people in representatives' districts | 70% of Americans believe that people in representatives' districts have too little influence over the decisions their representatives make |
| Naturalized citizens as a voting bloc | Naturalized citizens make up 10.1% of all potential voters in the US |
| Impact of naturalized citizens on elections | Naturalized citizens could exceed margins in swing states and change election outcomes |
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What You'll Learn
Naturalized citizens' voting behaviour
Naturalized citizens, or new Americans, represent a notable voting bloc that can significantly influence political campaigns and election results, especially in swing states. In the 2020 election, naturalized citizens constituted a record one in ten eligible voters in the US, translating to over 23 million people. This number has witnessed a steady increase since 2000, with the number of immigrant eligible voters surging by 93% during this period.
The voting behaviour of this group is shaped by various factors, including the duration of residence in the country, age, education, and language acquisition. The political and community environment they encounter in their new country also plays a pivotal role in their propensity for naturalization and subsequent voting choices. For instance, restrictive voter ID policies can act as a deterrent to naturalization and voting. On the other hand, more liberal electoral rules can encourage immigrants' sense of the value of their vote, potentially boosting their participation.
The impact of naturalized citizens' voting behaviour has been observed in states like California, where their engagement in the political process has helped reshape the political and policy landscape. This influence is particularly pronounced when candidates share similar identities with their immigrant voters, as seen in the success of foreign-born citizen candidates in Minnesota's state legislature and the election of Ilhan Omar, a former Somali refugee, to Congress.
To effectively engage this voting bloc, political campaigns can leverage data and mapping tools to tailor neighbourhood-specific strategies that account for the local context and the specific needs and interests of recently naturalized citizens from the same region of origin. By doing so, campaigns can ensure that the voices of naturalized citizens are heard and that they are fully included in the democratic process.
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Political campaigns' strategies for reaching immigrants
Political campaigns have increasingly focused on targeted messaging and data-driven strategies to reach specific voter segments. However, immigrants are often overlooked or ignored in these campaigns due to their limited political participation and knowledge, as well as the perception that they are unlikely to vote. This shift towards "narrowcasting" has made it more challenging for newcomers to understand and engage with the political process.
To effectively reach and engage immigrants in political campaigns, here are some strategies that can be employed:
- Addressing Language Barriers: Recognize that immigrants, especially those new to the country, may face language barriers. Provide campaign materials and messaging in multiple languages to ensure that immigrants can access and understand the information. This could include translating websites, pamphlets, and other campaign literature into commonly spoken languages in the target community.
- Community Engagement: Build relationships with immigrant communities and their leaders. Attend cultural events, host town hall meetings, and engage with local immigrant organizations to understand their concerns and priorities. By actively involving immigrants in the political process, campaigns can signal their commitment to representing all constituents.
- Education and Information: Educate immigrants about the political system, voting procedures, and the impact of their participation. Provide clear and accurate information about voter registration, polling locations, and the issues at stake. This can empower immigrants to overcome barriers and exercise their right to vote.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness in campaign messaging and outreach efforts. Avoid stereotypes and tokenism, and instead, showcase a genuine understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the immigrant community. This can build trust and encourage engagement.
- Data-Driven Approaches: Utilize data analytics and targeted digital advertising to reach immigrant voters. Leverage digital platforms and social media to disseminate campaign messages and engage with immigrants directly. This can include creating content in multiple languages and targeting specific immigrant communities through online channels.
- Collaboration with Immigrant Organizations: Partner with respected immigrant advocacy organizations or community groups to amplify your message. By aligning with trusted voices within the immigrant community, campaigns can enhance their credibility and reach.
- Emphasize Immigrant Contributions: Highlight the positive contributions of immigrants to society, including their role in filling labor shortages, building businesses, and enriching cultural diversity. Counteract negative stereotypes and misinformation by presenting a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of immigrants' experiences.
By implementing these strategies, political campaigns can better reach and engage immigrant populations, ensuring that their voices and concerns are represented in the democratic process.
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Congress members' susceptibility to donors and special interests
Research has found a robust relationship between donors and congressional speech, indicating that money may play a more pervasive role in politics than previously thought. Donor activity and Political Action Committee (PAC) donations have been shown to influence legislators' attention to specific issues and their floor speeches. This suggests that donors and PACs may have a significant impact on the congressional agenda and policy priorities.
The exchange of financial contributions, board positions, and other resources for influence between interest groups and Members of Parliament (MPs) has also been observed. While personal interests and affiliations play a role in MPs' susceptibility to exchange benefits, the strategic relationship between interest groups and MPs can lead to mutually beneficial collaborations. This dynamic can result in lawmakers prioritising the interests of these groups over those of their constituents, particularly when there is a lack of public scrutiny or transparency.
Furthermore, the influence of big money in political campaigns has been exacerbated by Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United, which has allowed unlimited spending by super PACs and dark money groups. This has led to concerns about the disproportionate influence of the super-wealthy and the potential for special interests to bypass campaign finance limits and improperly influence candidates and elected officials.
To address these concerns, reforms have been proposed, including passing the DISCLOSE Act, curbing coordinated activity between candidates and super PACs, and improving transparency and enforcement in campaign finance regulations. By implementing these measures, the goal is to reduce the susceptibility of Congress members to donors and special interests, thereby enhancing the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that lawmakers represent the interests of their constituents.
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Spending limits for political campaigns
Public perception plays a crucial role in the discussion surrounding campaign spending limits. According to a Pew Research Center report, 72% of US adults support spending limits for political campaigns, believing that there should be restrictions on the amount of money individuals and organizations can contribute. This view cuts across ideological and demographic lines, with significantly fewer people (11%) advocating for unlimited spending.
The influence of money in politics is a significant concern for many Americans. They perceive that elected officials are too responsive to donors and special interests, impacting their ability to serve the public impartially. This perception is reflected in the finding that 85% of Americans believe the cost of political campaigns hinders good people from running for office. Additionally, 73% of respondents feel that lobbyists and special interest groups have too much influence on political decisions.
Despite the bipartisan agreement on the need for spending limits, there are differences in perspectives between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats tend to be more supportive of spending limits and are more optimistic about the potential effectiveness of new campaign finance laws in reducing the influence of money. On the other hand, Republicans express slightly less support for spending limits and are more sceptical about the efficacy of new legislation in addressing the issue. Nonetheless, a substantial majority of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (71%) still favour imposing limits on campaign expenditures.
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Voter concerns about greed and corruption
A significant number of voters express worries about the influence of money in politics, with many believing that elected officials are too influenced by campaign donors, lobbyists, and special interest groups. This perception of undue influence can lead to a loss of trust in political institutions and leaders, which can, in turn, impact voting behavior. For instance, voters may become disillusioned and choose not to participate in elections, or they may seek out candidates who appear less influenced by money, such as those with strong ethical stances or who have implemented campaign finance reforms.
Research suggests that Americans across the political spectrum share concerns about the role of money in politics. In surveys, a large majority of respondents indicated that members of Congress do a poor job of keeping their personal financial interests separate from their legislative work. Furthermore, a significant proportion of Americans believe that campaign spending limits are necessary to reduce the influence of money in politics, although there is skepticism about the potential effectiveness of such laws.
The impact of these concerns is also evident in the increasing support for independent or third-party candidates, as well as the emergence of political action committees (PACs) and super PACs. These committees can raise and spend vast sums of money, often from corporations or wealthy individuals, to influence elections and promote specific agendas. While some see these groups as a necessary counterbalance to the influence of political parties, others view them as further evidence of the corrupting influence of money in politics.
In addition to concerns about the influence of money, voters also express worries about corruption in the form of elected officials prioritizing their personal interests over the public good. This can include issues such as politicians using their positions for financial gain, engaging in unethical behavior, or failing to represent the interests of their constituents. Such concerns can lead to increased scrutiny of candidates and their backgrounds, as well as a demand for greater transparency and accountability in government.
Overall, voter concerns about greed and corruption are significant factors that can shape political campaigns and the broader political landscape. Candidates and campaigners must recognize and address these concerns to maintain the trust and support of the electorate.
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Frequently asked questions
Naturalized citizens can significantly impact political campaigns, especially in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin. They represent a notable share of eligible voters, with about 1 in 10 eligible voters being naturalized citizens in the 2020 election. Naturalized citizens can influence election results, particularly when they turn out in large numbers. Their party affiliations vary, and they often prioritize issues like the cost of living and the economy.
A large majority of Americans believe that campaign donors and lobbyists have too much influence on members of Congress. They also think that political campaigns are too costly, making it challenging for good people to run for office. Most Americans favor spending limits for political campaigns to reduce the role of money in politics.
Public perceptions and attitudes towards money in politics can influence campaign strategies and policy agendas. For example, recognizing that the public views campaign donors as having too much influence may prompt candidates to focus more on grassroots support or emphasize their commitment to serving the public interest.
The number of permanent residents seeking naturalization may be influenced by elections for Congress or governor. Policy positions and campaign promises made by candidates can potentially impact the decisions of those seeking naturalization.
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