Use Your Voice
25 Million Voices
According to a 2016 study, approximately one out of every 12 residents in the United States--roughly 25 million--are not citizens. You are not alone!
As a non-citizen you are ineligible to vote, but that does not leave you without a voice. You were, as we say at Andrews Universtiy, "Made to Speak." Whether you are an immigrant, refugee, undocumented individual, or permanent resident, you have important perspectives that need to be heard by American citizens as they consider how to vote.
Issues such as the availability of healthcare, economic inequality, immigration, racism, the environment, and American foreign policy may impact non-citizens in this country as well as their family and friends abroad. So, rather than being a bystander to the political process, here are a few suggestions about how you can raise your voice.
Tell Your Story
How have you or your loved ones been affected by immigration policies? What has been your experience with accessing health insurance or the medical services your family needs? How is a changing climate, America's acquisition of natural resources, or the handling of its waste products impacting those in your home country? How are the United States and its policies viewed there? You may have valuable stories that can widen the worldview of voters around you. So share your experiences.
Join a Cause
Outside of a political campaign, non-citizens have many ways to join their voices with others on causes they care about. Whether the issue be sex-trafficking, abortion, gender equality, gun violence, religious freedom, or child poverty, there is a group already raising awareness and rallying support. Platforms like Global Citizen encourage people to take action on some of the world's biggest challenges--ones which have no national boundaries. Some international students have started clubs and fundraisers on campus to engage their American classmates. When you do this, you are shaping and shifting the values and priorities of the next generation of American voters.
Volunteer
Democracy works best when each of us contributes to the common good. Our actions really can speak louder than words. For that reason, you may consider volunteering as a way of making your voice heard. A website like VolunteerMatch can connect you to an array of volunteer opportunities in your area. The Andrews ChangeHub is a great place to learn how you can get involved with University in reaching out to the community.
Of course, the suggestions above are not just for non-citizens. They are recommended American voters, as well. Sharing our stories, rallying for causes, and volunteering in our communities are powerful ways us to bridge the citizen/non-citizen divide and build a better country and a brighter world.
Elections
Finally, here a few questions to consider when it comes to the involvement of non-citizens in election-related activities.
Can I donate to a campaign?
The Foreign Election Campaign Act prohibits "foreign nationals" (not including dual citizens of the United States) from making any kind of financial contribution to a federal, state or local political campaign in the United States. The one exception is for those with permanent resident status (also known as "green card holders"), who may donate to campaigns.
Can I volunteer for a campaign?
Generally, non-citizens may volunteer personal services to a federal candidate or federal political committee without making a financial contribution. This volunteer "exemption" is provided as long as the individual performing the service is not compensated by anyone. However, a non-citizen may not manage or participate in any of the campaign committee’s decision-making processes.
Is it true that non-citizens engage in fraudulent voting?
According to James A. McGann, professor of political science at Purdue University, "There is absolutely no evidence that people without voting rights are actually voting in elections." However, he does say that we often underestimate or discount the lawful political activities of non-citizens.
How are non-citizens impacting the political process?
In their research, McGann and his colleague, Michael Jones-Correa found that about one out of three Latino immigrants reported some form of lawful political activity. They may have participated directly by marching or posting signs or indirectly by engaging in conversations and "convincing" with family, friends, and neighbors. "Exclusion from the ballot box," they conclude, "is not tantamount to civic silence."
