From immigration to citizenship: When is an immigrant allowed to vote in a US election? | VOANews

Опубликовано: 05 Май 2024
на канале: Voice of America

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Can immigrants vote in U.S. elections? The answer is — not until they become naturalized citizens. Naturalization is a lengthy process that begins with obtaining a green card, also known as a permanent resident card. VOA’s Aline Barros explains the process.
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Immigrants who are not U.S. citizens cannot vote in federal elections.

Those who become naturalized citizens can vote in any U.S. election after they take the Oath of Allegiance and register
to vote.

The first step toward naturalization is to obtain a “green card” conferring legal permanent residency. A person can get a green card through family sponsorship, employment and refugee or asylum status, among others.

In most cases, immigrants are eligible for naturalization after they have been green card holders and have lived in the U.S. for five years. This is reduced to three years if they acquire permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Steps to becoming a U.S. citizen include meeting eligibility requirements, submitting an application for naturalization, passing an interview and English and civics exams, and taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

Generally, there are exceptions and special provisions for certain groups, such as military personnel, spouses of U.S. citizens stationed abroad and children of U.S. citizens.

Spouses of U.S. citizens who are stationed abroad because of their employment with the U.S. government, including military service, may be eligible for naturalization under a provision that allows them to bypass the residency requirement and apply for naturalization while residing outside the United States.

Once naturalized, individuals have the right to vote in all federal, state, and local elections, including presidential elections.

Noncitizens, including green card holders, are prohibited from voting in federal, state and most local U.S. elections. Anyone caught voting illegally faces fines and/or imprisonment, and possible removal from the United States.

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