Making a difference in the community: local civic engagement efficacy among immigrants and refugees in King County, Washington

Abstract

ABSTRACT Issues of immigration and citizenship are at the forefront of policy and public opinion in the United States. This study explores immigrant and refugee perceptions of their ability to make a difference in their community by leveraging an extensive survey conducted in King County, Washington. Findings show that immigrants and refugees who were more interested in the 2016 presidential election, more likely to vote in the 2016 presidential election, and could easily access election information in their preferred language were significantly more likely to believe they could make a difference in their community. This study adds to the literature by showing empirically the ways in which sociocultural factors shape civic efficacy among immigrants and refugees, while building on previous research on political efficacy and participation based on psychological mechanisms to show the broader role of sociocultural environment on civic efficacy.