The Biden-Harris administration is rapidly advancing the naturalization process, potentially altering the U.S. electorate in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Recent reports indicate that thousands of migrants are receiving U.S. citizenship each week, with many poised to vote for the first time this November.
Accelerated Naturalization: A Strategic Move?
According to The National Pulse and highlighted by The New York Times on August 13, the current administration has made significant strides in expediting citizenship applications. Xiao Wang, CEO of Boundless Immigration, emphasized that this acceleration goes beyond efficiency. “This isn’t just about clearing backlogs; it’s about potentially reshaping the electorate,” Wang stated, hinting at the broader political implications of this rapid process.
Wang’s organization, which includes experts like former USCIS officer Erik Finch, is at the forefront of this shift. Wang noted, “Every citizenship application could be a vote that decides Senate seats or even the presidency.” So far, the Biden-Harris administration has overseen the naturalization of approximately 3.3 million immigrants.
Electoral Impact: Key Swing States in Focus
States such as Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, with their high numbers of voting-age naturalized citizens, could become pivotal in the upcoming election. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are focusing their campaigns on these crucial battlegrounds as they vie for the White House.
Faster Processing Times Under Biden
Under the current administration, naturalization processing times have decreased significantly, often taking less than six months. This is a notable improvement from the ten-month processing period during former President Trump’s tenure, which was affected by increased scrutiny and pandemic-related delays.
Potential Influence on the 2024 Election
Recent surveys suggest that 81.4 percent of naturalized migrants are certain to vote in the 2024 election, with an additional 14.5 percent likely to participate. Many of these new citizens, who are predominantly Latino, African, or Asian, tend to lean Democratic, potentially impacting the election outcome. Even non-naturalized immigrants, whether legal or undocumented, might influence the voting dynamics.
Controversies and Concerns
The rapid increase in naturalization has raised concerns about potential voter registration issues among those ineligible to vote. Additionally, the rise in illegal immigration under the Biden-Harris administration has sparked debate. Some Americans view this influx as part of a broader strategy to secure a “permanent majority” for the Democratic Party. By the end of Biden’s term, projections suggest that illegal immigration may reach levels comparable to historical legal immigration waves through Ellis Island.
As the 2024 election approaches, the implications of this accelerated naturalization process and its potential impact on the electorate remain a subject of significant discussion and scrutiny.
