Millions of immigrant voters are poised to significantly influence elections in 284 congressional districts, according to a new analysis from the American Immigration Council.
April 16, Washington, D.C. — A recent analysis by the American Immigration Council reveals that millions of immigrant voters who are U.S. citizens play a crucial role in the electorate across 284 congressional districts where elections will occur this year.
This analysis focuses on voting data that includes only eligible and registered voters, as federal law permits only U.S. citizens to participate in federal elections.
Utilizing the latest data from the 2024 American Community Survey, the report indicates that immigrants constitute nearly one in five residents in the districts studied. Their presence significantly impacts the workforce, tax base, and local economies, which in turn shape the priorities of voters.
Key findings from the analysis highlight the potential influence of immigrant voters in close elections. There are approximately 16 million registered immigrant voters—naturalized U.S. citizens eligible and registered to vote—across the analyzed districts. Notably, in 44 percent of these districts (126 out of 284), the number of eligible immigrant voters surpasses the margin of victory anticipated in the 2024 elections.
For instance, Florida’s 25th congressional district is home to an estimated 135,500 immigrant voters. This district notably flipped from Republican to Democratic control in 2022, with Democrats winning again in 2024 by a narrow margin of just 30,700 votes.
Similarly, in New Jersey’s 9th district, Democrats secured victory by a margin of just over 12,600 votes in 2024. This district boasts nearly 165,000 immigrants who are U.S. citizens aged 18 and older, thus eligible to vote.
The analysis also emphasizes the importance of language and outreach efforts. On average, 83.1 percent of immigrants in these districts speak a language other than English at home, underscoring the need for outreach that reflects the diverse communities within these areas.
Moreover, immigrants play a vital role in local communities. Across the 284 districts analyzed, immigrants make up nearly 20 percent of the population, with some districts reporting that they represent more than half of the residents.
“Immigrant voters who are U.S. citizens are a meaningful part of the electorate in many communities, especially in close races,” said Nan Wu, director of research at the American Immigration Council. “Like other voters, they care about jobs, housing, and the economy, and they are deeply embedded in the communities they help sustain.”
The analysis further illustrates that the influence of immigrants extends beyond the electoral process. In the districts studied, immigrants contribute to economic growth, support key industries, and shape the pressing issues that dominate elections, including inflation, housing, and workforce shortages.
Overall, the findings indicate that immigrants are not merely a niche population but rather a fundamental component of the communities, economies, and electorates that characterize many congressional districts.
These insights are crucial as the nation approaches the upcoming elections, highlighting the importance of recognizing and engaging immigrant voters in the democratic process, according to American Immigration Council.