Millions of eligible immigrant voters are crucial to the electorate in 284 congressional districts, significantly influencing the outcomes of close races in the upcoming elections.
April 16, Washington, D.C. — A new analysis from the American Immigration Council reveals that millions of immigrant voters who are U.S. citizens play a vital role in shaping 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 stipulates that only U.S. citizens can 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 examined. Their presence significantly impacts the workforce, tax contributions, and local economies, which in turn shape voters’ priorities.
Key findings from the analysis highlight the potential influence of immigrant voters in upcoming elections. An estimated 16 million registered immigrant voters—naturalized U.S. citizens eligible and registered to vote—are present in the districts studied. 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, in Florida’s 25th congressional district, there are approximately 135,500 immigrant voters. This district transitioned from Republican to Democratic control in 2022, and Democrats secured their victory again in 2024 by a narrow margin of 30,700 votes.
Similarly, in New Jersey’s 9th district, Democrats won by just over 12,600 votes in 2024, while nearly 165,000 immigrants who are U.S. citizens aged 18 and above reside in the area, making them 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 initiatives that reflect the diverse communities present.
Moreover, immigrants are integral to local communities, making up nearly 20 percent of residents across the 284 districts analyzed. In some areas, they represent more than half of the population.
“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 findings also highlight that the influence of immigrants extends beyond electoral participation. In the districts studied, immigrants contribute to economic growth, support key industries, and shape the pressing issues dominating elections, including inflation, housing, and workforce shortages.
Overall, the analysis illustrates that immigrants are not merely a niche population; they are a core component of the communities, economies, and electorates that define many congressional districts.
According to the American Immigration Council, these insights underscore the critical role that immigrant voters will play in the upcoming elections.