Despite the fact that their presence has recently become a hot-button issue in U.S. politics and the media, refugees play an objectively important role in the United States by contributing to the country’s rich diversity and economy. However, there are some privileges that refugees do not automatically enjoy when they come to the U.S., despite the fact that the nation has historically welcomed them here.
For example, when it comes to voting in U.S. elections, there are specific requirements that determine who is eligible to participate. Non-citizen refugees, like other non-citizens, face limitations in this regard.
Status and voting rights
Most of the time, refugees are defined as those individuals who have fled their home countries in response to persecution or fear of persecution inspired by their immutable characteristics such as race, religion or nationality. Persecution due to political opinions can also result in refugee status. They are granted protection in the United States through the refugee resettlement program and are allowed to live and work in the country legally. However, despite their legal status, refugees are not automatically U.S. citizens, which means they do not have the right to vote in federal, state or local elections unless they become naturalized.
Although refugees cannot vote upon arrival in the United States, they can eventually gain the right to vote by becoming U.S. citizens. Refugees are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) after one year of living in the U.S. Once they have held a green card for at least five years, they can apply for U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization. Upon successfully becoming citizens, they will gain the right to vote in U.S. elections.
In the United States, only citizens have the right to vote in federal elections, including presidential, congressional and Senate races. Most state and local elections also restrict voting rights to U.S. citizens, although a few municipalities allow non-citizens to vote in specific local elections. However, refugees should not attempt to vote until they have officially gained citizenship, as doing so can lead to severe legal consequences, including possible deportation.
