Millions of eligible immigrant voters are poised to significantly influence elections in 284 congressional districts, according to a new analysis by the American Immigration Council.
April 16, Washington, D.C. — A recent analysis from the American Immigration Council reveals that millions of immigrant voters who are U.S. citizens play a crucial role in shaping the electorate across 284 congressional districts where elections are set to take place this year.
This analysis focuses on voting data that reflects only eligible and registered voters, as federal law stipulates that only U.S. citizens are permitted to vote in federal elections.
Utilizing the latest available data from the 2024 American Community Survey, the findings indicate that immigrants constitute nearly one in five residents in the districts examined. They significantly contribute to the workforce, tax base, and local economies, which in turn influence voters’ priorities.
Key findings from the analysis highlight the following points:
Registered immigrant voters, who are naturalized U.S. citizens, are positioned to play a pivotal role in close elections. An estimated 16 million registered immigrant voters reside in the districts analyzed. In 44 percent of these districts (126 out of 284), the number of eligible immigrant voters exceeds the margin of victory anticipated in the 2024 elections.
For instance, Florida’s 25th congressional district is home to approximately 135,500 immigrant voters. This district flipped from Republican to Democratic control in 2022, and Democrats secured victory again in 2024 by a narrow margin of just 30,700 votes.
Similarly, in New Jersey’s 9th district, Democrats won 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, making them eligible to vote.
The analysis also emphasizes the importance of language and outreach. On average, 83.1 percent of immigrants in these districts speak a language other than English at home, underscoring the necessity for outreach efforts that reflect the diversity of these communities.
Moreover, immigrants are integral to local communities. They account for nearly 20 percent of residents across the 284 districts analyzed, with some districts reporting that immigrants 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 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 issues dominating elections, including inflation, housing, and workforce shortages.
In summary, the findings indicate that immigrants are not merely a niche population; rather, they are a core component of the communities, economies, and electorates that define numerous congressional districts.
According to the American Immigration Council, this analysis highlights the significant role that eligible immigrant voters play in shaping the outcomes of elections across the nation.