Immigrant eligible voters increase in 2020

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

A recent Pew Research study found that 23 million immigrants in the United States will be eligible to vote in the upcoming 2020 presidential election. That means roughly, 1 in 10 voters is an immigrant. Over the last 20 years, the United States has seen a steady increase in eligible voters within the immigrant population.

I personally find this very interesting considering the current rhetoric around immigration in the United States as a whole. Although large parts of the conversations being had pertain to, undocumented immigrants, as a whole this is an issue that concerns many different people.

Within the U.S. society, I think there is a widespread misconception on the immigration process. It is painted to be a very simple and straightforward process; apply, take a test and become a citizen. But it is much more complicated and layered.

Before you can even apply to be a citizen you need to apply for a green card. A green card allows for permanent residence to live and work in the United States. The case made for residence must be compelling enough for the government to grant access.

After holding residence in the U.S. for 5 years, then can you apply for citizenship. But you must meet the requirements of showing good moral character, showing attachment of ideals of the U.S. and knowing how to read, write and speak English to name a few.

A Mexican immigrant, Lucio Delgado did everything right for US Citizenship—but failed the exam b/c he is blind & the Federal govt denied him a braille test

To restate: US Govt failed Lucio—a blind man—b/c he couldnt read the test

The cruelty is the pointhttps://t.co/ymgV8GuYwf

— Qasim Rashid for Congress (@QasimRashid) February 29, 2020

But even after going through this whole process, sometimes it still isn't enough. Some people like Lucio Delgado, still face roadblocks when going through the proper channels. In his case, Delgado is legally blind and wasn't properly accommodated for the test.

Although Delgado uses a cane and legally blind status because he doesn't have a signed document from a doctor the government doesn't recognize his blindness and therefore gave him an automatic fail on the test since he 'can't read English'.

I think Immigration reform is an important thing that needs to happen in this country for people like Delgado, who deserve equal opportunities when doing everything right. The system is still very much in service of those who come from privilege and doesn't function in an equitable way.