Immigration Policy and Elections: Why Civic Participation Matters

Every day, I speak with families who are frustrated with the U.S. immigration system.

Couples are waiting months, often years, to move forward with their lives together. Families are navigating changes to public charge requirements, visa restrictions, interview cancellations and pauses, and immigration policies that can shift quickly.

After more than a decade practicing immigration law, I understand that frustration.

If you believe our immigration system needs to change, however, frustration need not be the end of the conversation. For U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote, elections provide an opportunity to participate in deciding who has the power to make and influence immigration policy.

Immigration Policy Is Affected by Elections

Immigration policy is shaped at different levels of government.

Congress writes federal immigration laws and controls funding for federal agencies. The executive branch administers and enforces those laws through agencies such as USCIS, the Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security.

State and local elections matter too. Depending on where you live, elected officials may influence policies and resources affecting immigrant communities at the state and local level.

This is one reason civic participation should not begin and end with presidential elections.

The 2026 Election Is November 3

The 2026 federal general election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Visit Vote.gov to find the voter registration website for your state.

If you are a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote, now is a good time to:

• Check your voter registration and make sure your information is current.
• Find your state’s voter-registration deadline.
• Learn when and where you can vote.
• Find out whether early or absentee voting is available.
• Research the candidates on your ballot and their positions on immigration and other issues that matter to you.

Voting procedures and deadlines vary by state, so don’t wait until Election Day to learn the rules that apply where you live.

Your Participation Doesn’t End With Voting

Voting is one way to participate in the process, but it isn’t the only one.

You can contact your representatives about immigration policies and processing delays affecting your family. You can ask candidates questions. You can follow proposed legislation and policy changes. You can share your experiences with the elected officials who represent your community.

You can also continue participating after an election is over. Congressional, state, and local elections determine who has the authority to make, implement, or influence policies affecting families and communities.

An Important Warning for Noncitizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not register to vote or vote in a U.S. election unless you have received qualified legal advice confirming that you are legally eligible to do so.

Noncitizens cannot vote in federal elections, and most state and local elections also restrict voting to U.S. citizens. Unlawful voter registration or voting can have extremely serious immigration consequences. A false claim to U.S. citizenship connected with voter registration can also create significant immigration problems.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and have questions about something involving voter registration or voting, speak with a qualified immigration attorney before taking action.

Learn. Participate. Make Your Own Decision.

You don’t have to agree with me, or anyone else, about what our immigration system should look like.

Learn about the candidates and issues. Decide for yourself what matters to you. If you’re eligible to vote, participate in the process that determines who will have the power to make those decisions.

For official information about voter registration, deadlines, early voting, and voting requirements in your state, visit Vote.gov or your state election office.