Immigrant Participation

Abstract

AbstractThis article discusses four aspects of immigrant participation. First it analyzes naturalization patterns, looking at both numbers and the reasons some immigrants pursue naturalization and others do not. Second, it examines civic and community engagement among immigrants. This is frequently the first form of politics that appears in immigrant communities, in large part because immigrants, regardless of legal or citizenship status, can participate in civic life. Third, it assesses immigrant (and coethnic) electoral behavior. Finally, it examines a newly emerging form of political engagement among immigrants: their transnational efforts to influence the civic or political life of their communities or countries of origin. This form of politics remains an activity engaged in by a minority of immigrants, but like civic engagement in the country of residence, transitional activities are open to all immigrants, regardless of status.