Arizona Voter Mobilization Groups Target Newly Naturalized Citizens for Upcoming Election

Arizona is gearing up for a potential game-changer in the upcoming election, as more than 100,000 residents are eligible to become U.S. citizens. Voter mobilization groups are eyeing this significant number of potential new citizens as a key factor in influencing the outcome of the election.

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agency, an estimated 177,171 lawful permanent residents in Arizona qualify for naturalization. While not all of them have started the naturalization process, between 2016 and 2020, over 62,000 people in Arizona successfully became naturalized citizens.

Nicole Melaku, executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, emphasized the potential impact of these newly naturalized citizens on the election results. With the 2020 presidential election in Arizona being decided by just 10,000 votes, the 62,000 newly naturalized citizens could play a significant role in shaping the outcome of this year’s election.

The mobilization efforts to engage newly naturalized voters have already begun, coinciding with the 14-year anniversary of Arizona’s controversial anti-immigrant law, SB1070. Alejandra Gomez, executive director of Arizona Center for Empowerment, highlighted the contrast between past anti-immigrant sentiments and the current efforts to empower and mobilize new citizens.

Organizations like Living United for Change in Arizona and Promise Arizona are actively working to connect with newly naturalized voters, particularly in Maricopa County, where a significant number of eligible residents reside. Petra Falcon, the head of Promise Arizona, emphasized the potential of newly naturalized citizens to be a balancing force in the election and a catalyst for change beyond.

While the potential influence of naturalized voters is significant, the challenge lies in mobilizing them to participate. Only about 10% of eligible residents across the country naturalize each year, and voter turnout among newly naturalized citizens is lower than that of U.S.-born citizens. However, Hispanic and Asian naturalized citizens show a higher likelihood of voting, indicating a strong interest in participating in the electoral process.

As the election approaches, advocates like Nejra Sumic from We Are All America are urging newly naturalized citizens to take action and make their voices heard. With critical issues at stake, including housing, inflation, and women’s reproductive rights, the importance of voting for better leadership and policies is paramount.

Individuals like Razia Shalizi and Alex Jurua, who are on the cusp of becoming citizens, are eager to exercise their right to vote and advocate for causes they believe in. With the Arizona legislature and congressional seats up for grabs, the impact of newly naturalized citizens on the election could be significant in shaping the future of the state.

Overall, the mobilization of more than 100,000 potential new citizens in Arizona has the potential to be a game-changer in the upcoming election, with their voices and votes poised to make a difference in shaping the political landscape of the state.