Associated Press in Austin wrote:

As the Republican Party watches their traditional Anglo base shrink, Republican candidates find themselves in a dilemma over whether to play the long or short game. To win in a 2014 primary, they must take a hard line on illegal immigration, yet to attract converts to their party in the long run, they must adopt a more nuanced position.

First- and second- generation immigrants have the potential for enormous electoral impact but the issues need vast research and analysis.

This month, both the New Jersey and the Virginia gubernatorial races were determined by the immigrant vote. Gov. Christie (R) defied his party and went for Spanish language ads and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, handily winning the election over a candidate who compared immigrants to rats.  Terry McAuliffe's (D) win in VA can be attributed to an anti-Cuccinelli vote by Latinos who protested his effort to change the U.S. Constitution by ending jus soli, birthright citizenship.

Perhaps immigrants represent a third party in the U.S playing a role similar to that played by immigrants in Israel, who occupy a space on the political spectrum between the Likud and Labor Parties.  Though positioned across every spectrum individually and even ethnically, there is aggregate pro-family, pro-values, pro-military conservative elements mixed with pro-national healthcare, pro-pathway to citizenship, pro-labor protection and pro-universal education elements. Generally, immigrants in the U.S. share a common pragmatism and appear to be looking for champions of their needs and their love of America.

Consider also that minority participation in recent electoral races, such as Boston's mayoral election, indicate that the absence of "someone who looks like me" significantly reduces voter turn out. The state legislatures of America are comprised of less than 1% immigrants (though 276 Latinos now hold state office) and are therefore, not representative of the racial or ethnic diversity of the community. Furthermore, the 13% of Americans born abroad are not directly represented in politics, especially in Congress which has only two immigrants. The complexity of representation is perhaps best exemplified by Senator Ted Cruz, born in Canada and who won the support of Cuban Americans and the Tea Party. His positions are hardly those of progressive American politics but support for him can be interpreted as a hunger for 'ethnic/immigrant leadership' over pro-immigration reform candidates.

Immigrants are politically active and though thy do not collectively embody one voting bloc, or one group in 'identity politics', they are engaged.  A recent study by J. McCann of Purdue University finds that immigrants are not strangers to political movements. Even among non-citizens, 1 in 8 immigrants has actively participated in rallies or protests and more than half are reach out to friends who can vote about specific candidates.

From within the IIL, we perceive voting to be part of socialization. The act of voting springs from awareness and is part of what Bob Putnam includes in his definition of 'social capital.'  Jones-Correa of Cornell University details that women lead in voting participation while men lead in ethnic organizing (valuing old loyalties longer). Efforts to gain the political engagement of newcomers may be more informed by what assists newcomers in overcoming their losses- their displacement- more than what label or what ideology is expressed by a campaign.

Civic engagement is an essential building block of democracy. It seems obvious that full participation should be a shared goal of all elected officials, but the nature of primaries and the mobilization of one's base can have the opposite effect and seeks to eliminate those who differ in opinion. In the span of a year, 180 voter-restrictive bills were introduced in 41 states, revealing the reality that those who value inclusiveness are often not heard in campaign politics. The Brennan Center comments "One is more likely to be struck by lightning than to come across an actual case of voter fraud." However, massive efforts are made to discourage newcomers who must carry proof of citizenship and added proof of identity and must deal with burdensome registration procedures.  Offering civics education and making voter registration available in high schools for seniors would vastly improve New American political participation as would simultaneous motor vehicle and voter registration and Election Day registration.

Strides are being made as evidenced by the 22% increase in Asian voters in the past four years. Some places are pursuing pre-naturalization voting. Given that 20% of California, for example, is ineligible to vote in any election, giving local taxpayers a vote in municipal elections would reinvigorate the process of social inclusion and democratic values. Vermont allowed 'alien suffrage' until 1977 in state elections so recent history can inform new thinking.  There are many operating models of political empowerment and more cities are exploring the option of resident taxpayer voting each year.

Immigrants remain the future of the nation. Learning about their inclusion, exclusion, hopes and needs, and power and powerlessness will make for rich study and a healthier civic life. 

Westy Egmont, Director