The Muslim Vote: An Overlooked ‘Swing Factor’

By Selen Ozturk l Mar 1, 2024

Despite the fact that the Muslim vote is often overlooked, it can swing U.S. elections — particularly in close races.

At a Feb. 22 briefing held by Houston Ethnic Media, AJ Durrani — Treasurer of Emgage Texas and the first Muslim American to serve on the Democratic National Committee — highlighted record national and state-level increases in the Muslim vote, and its impact in light of the 2024 elections.

Expanding the Muslim electorate

Emgage had even more staggering success in 2020 on the national level with the Million Muslim Votes campaign — the largest Muslim mobilization program in history.

Focusing on 12 states including Texas, Emgage organizers made 1.8 million calls, sent over 3.6 million text messages and over 400,000 mailers, knocked on over 20,000 doors.

The effort led to 1,086,087 million, or 71% of registered Muslim voters casting a ballot — two percentage points over the 2016 turnout. From the turnout, 779,793 Muslim voters, or 52%, voted early or via absentee ballots.

The campaign also expanded the Muslim electorate 27% from 1.2 million registered voters in 2016 to over 1.5 million in 2020. In some states, registered Muslim voters increased as much as 80% (North Carolina), 53% (Utah), 46% (Wisconsin) and 35% (Texas).

Despite the record turnout, “we don’t take that for granted any single week,” said Durrani. “Our staff in Texas is still out doing voter registration. It’s almost unheard of for a whole area to have anything like 70% turnout” — voter registration among Muslims is over 75% — “but we’ve been able to do so over here primarily through getting a very specific message out to our community.”

In Harris County, containing the greater Houston area, Emgage similarly worked to increase Muslim voter turnout from below 60% in 2012, to 66% in 2016, to 71% in 2020. That year 218,899 Muslims voted statewide, with 89% voting early or absentee and 35% more registered to vote than in 2016.

However, before 2006, when Emgage Texas was founded and the first three Muslims were elected to the state’s Democratic Executive Committee, there was no collective Muslim electoral outreach effort in Texas at all, said Durrani.

The reason was a lesson reflected for Muslim voters nationwide, he added: “Voter outreach requires funding, and it wasn’t until 2016, when I was elected, that we were able to get grant funding through work with AAPI organizations,” revolutionizing what Emgage “was able to do. Our first emphasis was to increase voter registration.”

Voter outreach

“We use normal get-the-word-out techniques through Muslim-Arab-South Asian ethnic media” including full-page ads, primetime radio, TV ads, geographically targeted canvassing, postal mailers and social media through outlets like BOLTV, PakNews, Sangeet Radio and Naya Andaaz, explained Durrani, “but we’ve also gotten the Muslim vote out by understanding that many community members congregate in Islamic centers.”

“For 10 years, Emgage had been making efforts to get one of our centers to become a polling location,” he continued. “We were blunted in our efforts by the prior administration, but in 2016, we approached the county clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, and we got the first Islamic center, the Turkish Community Center, to become a polling location.”

Since then, 10 Islamic centers are polling locations in Harris County as of January 2024.

Personal outreach methods like these have been most successful at getting Muslims to vote, he added. Despite pandemic-related challenges, Emgage Texas made over 200,000 calls, sent over 355,000 text messages and continually hosted voter registration events at local mosques which were later turned into early vote and polling locations in the months leading up to election day in 2020.

Getting Muslim community members to be election judges and election workers has also been effective, Durrani said. “I’ve been an Election Judge for over 15 years, and when people see somebody they recognize or a location that they are frequenting for religious or social services, they’re more apt to walk across the hall after their Friday prayers and vote.”

What’s next for 2024?

“Now, many people are saying: ‘It doesn’t matter, look what’s happening overseas in Gaza,” Durrani continued. “Our message to the community is: ‘Do not sit out the elections.’ While focusing on the presidential primaries in Texas may not have much of an impact,” the Muslim vote can be decisive in swing states and for down-ballot candidates and issues.

“People might say, ‘Your community is relatively small, how can it have an impact?’” Well, most elections happen to be very narrow, and in many swing states more Muslims voted than Biden won by in 2020,” he added.

In Arizona, for instance, Biden won by less than 10,500 votes when over 25,000 Muslims voted; in Georgia, by 12,000 votes when over 61,000 Muslims voted; in Pennsylvania, by 81,000 votes when over 125,000 Muslims voted; in Michigan, by 154,000 votes when over 145,000 Muslims voted; and in Wisconsin, by less than 21,000 votes when over 15,000 Muslims voted.

“All politics are local,” Durrani said. “That’s basically our message. Don’t sit out the election — vote, and vote now.”

In Immigration Debate, a ‘Fight Over Who Gets to be an American’

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By Selen Ozturk l Jan 30, 2024

As more people cross the border, anti-immigrant stances are inflaming U.S. politics, with few long-term proposals more comprehensive than closing the border.

At a Friday, January 26 EMS briefing, immigration experts discussed the political consequences of these proposals in light of the current anti-immigrant electoral cycle, long-term problems with an increasingly politicized asylum system and local responses to high numbers of migrants.

Washington and the border

The ongoing bipartisan Senate debate around restricting immigration along the country’s Mexican border — particularly around parole, which allows migrants to live and work in the U.S. temporarily without visas — is happening in the context of debates around a bill to fund aid for Israel, Taiwan and particularly Ukraine, said Angela Kelley, chief advisor of Policy and Partnerships for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Immigration Council (AIC).

Given that supporting Ukraine “to effectively push back on Putin’s intentions” is a Democrat priority, many Republicans echoing former President Trump — like House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson — are threatening to regard the Senate’s compromise as “dead on arrival” and withhold Ukraine aid if Democrats oppose certain immigration limitations, she continued.

The most significant limitation regards the authority of parole, which President Biden has used for generally two-year increments “to bring in people including Afghans, Ukrainians, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans for humanitarian reasons,” and which many other migrants at the border get through the U.S. Customs app CBP One “as a legal pathway, as opposed to using a smuggler,” Kelley said.

Another limitation regards the negotiation of a “trigger” to close the border to migrants seeking asylum if there are more than a certain maximum — especially relevant given that President Biden, in an attempt to salvage the ongoing Congress deal, said he’d “shut down the border” if given the ability.

“30 years ago, if the Border Patrol had encountered 4,000 people, that would have been a five alarm fire. Now we’re seeing 10,000 or 11,000 per day … because smuggling networks have increased and more people — 52% of migrants — are coming from other parts of the world beyond Mexico or Central America,” she added. “Our policies are grossly inadequate to handle these numbers.”

A ‘perfect storm’

“Democrats are not comfortable with immigration as a complex policy issue,” Kelly said. “Meanwhile, Republicans have a simpler soundbite — ‘Biden’s borders are out of control, everybody’s coming in.’ A better balance of compassion and control requires changes to our asylum system … and that requires us putting people in Congress who won’t use this issue as a political football.”

This week, the House Republican response to unprecedented migration takes the form of a markup hearing to discuss impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the grounds that he defied Federal immigration laws by allowing millions to enter the U.S. illegally. A formal vote against him — which could come as soon as next week — would make him the second U.S. Cabinet official to be impeached in history, and the first in 150 years.

In this electoral year, immigration is more political than ever in a “perfect storm” intensified by unprecedented migration from destabilized governments and economies abroad, and by 30 years of largely GOP-blocked attempts to update the U.S. immigration system, said Vanessa Cardenas, executive director of Washington, D.C.-based immigrant rights nonprofit America’s Voice.

“We saw in 2016 and 2020 what we’re seeing again, when Trump told Speaker Johnson to make no deal with the Senate: immigration is the GOP’s silver bullet. They’re not interested in solutions, but using it to anger and mobilize their base … Of course, Americans are worried about the border, but when presented with actual policies, most embrace America as a nation of immigrants,” she continued.

Most Americans, for example, support DACA, while three out of four say undocumented immigrants should be able to stay in the U.S. legally if certain requirements are met.

“When the Trump administration, on the other hand, passed policies that did not fix the problem — like the Muslim ban, separating families at the border and rhetoric around mass incarceration — Americans broadly rejected it,” Cardenas said. “They want a compassionate legal system … but in the absence of reform, the other side fills the void with narratives of invasion … This goes beyond immigration. This is a debate about who gets to be an American.”

While lack of resources to adequately support all migrants “is a fundamental issue in our country,” she added, “those who are crying foul against immigrants should then be fighting for housing, health care and labor rights. Immigrants improve our economies and vitalize our communities … Rather than using migration to pit Americans against each other, we should empower them to be part of the solution.”

Meeting migrants on the ground

Although the numbers have been unprecedented, migrants themselves are nothing new in a major city so close to the border as LA, said Lupita Martinez, regional policy manager for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). Since the COVID-response asylum restriction Title 42 was lifted last May, “we’ve been receiving buses on an over 20-hour-long ride from Texas,” she said. 

Only 3% of arrivals to LA stay there, however; top cities for asylum seekers with sponsors include San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose.

“We’re now at bus 39, and have been collaborating with the city, county and aid organizations through LA Welcomes Collective to receive new arrivals with care” including medical attention, translation services, basic needs like food, water and hygiene supplies, and — for those staying in LA —  city orientation, housing and benefits case management, school enrollment and mental health support.

“When we talk about immigration, we talk about numbers, but on the ground they’re more than that,” said Martinez. “I remember meeting a mother and two children less than five years old, whose father had drowned in the river on the way with them. How can you say — no, we’re not going to help you, when you know you can?”

“We can’t talk about the numbers behind immigration as a policy issue without also talking about the violence and poverty behind it,” she added. “When you’re facing it on the ground, the issue turns into one around what it means to integrate someone new, how you can help them contribute to your community.”

CAPAC Members Commemorate National Immigrant Heritage Month

CVV News l June 1, 2023

Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) mark the start of National Immigrant Heritage Month, which has been observed since 2014 throughout the month of June to celebrate immigrants and their contributions to this country. In the United States, approximately two-thirds of Asian Americans and one-sixth of Pacific Islanders are foreign-born.

To commemorate National Immigrant Heritage Month, CAPAC Members issued the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“Our rich diversity is one of our greatest strengths in this country. For many immigrant communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), the United States has served as a land of freedom and boundless opportunity—politically and economically. In turn, America has thrived thanks to the hard work, ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and patriotism of wave after wave of immigrants. From their contributions in business, art, research, food, sports, and countless other areas, the unique heritage of AAPI immigrants, though sometimes overlooked or forgotten, is inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation. I am committed to educating all Americans about our communities’ history while protecting our civil rights and creating a clear pathway to citizenship for all immigrants to our country.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I am delighted to celebrate June as National Immigrant Heritage Month and recognize the invaluable contributions that immigrants have made to the growth, development, and success of this nation. The United States is great because of its rich immigrant communities and we must continue to treat all those who arrive at our borders with dignity and respect. That is why I introduced my New Deal for New Americans Act to support new Americans and refugees in the United States and I look forward to continue pushing Congress to promote a more humane immigration system that empowers immigrants to thrive in this country.”           

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“Today, as we commence National Immigrant Heritage Month, I proudly stand as a descendant of Japanese immigrants, celebrating the vibrant contributions they and other AAPI immigrants have made to our great nation. Their diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives have woven the fabric of America’s identity, fostering innovation, resilience, and the spirit of unity that defines us as a people. Let us honor their journeys and pay tribute to their indomitable spirit, reminding ourselves of the boundless potential our diverse and multicultural nation possess.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):

“America is a nation of immigrants. During National Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor the courage of all those who left their homes and loved ones to come to our great country. From our founding, our country has been shaped by the visions and contributions of immigrants. As an immigrant, I feel incredibly proud to be an American and want to ensure that all immigrants receive the same opportunity that I have had. I am honored to join my CAPAC colleagues as we work toward passing comprehensive immigration policy that will move our country forward.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):

“Immigrants play vital roles in communities across the country. Many of them worked tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe, and fed on the frontlines during the peak of the pandemic, and continue to do so today. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Immigrant Heritage Month. This month, and every month, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more diverse, equitable society where immigrants, and all people are safe, welcome, and celebrated.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“As a proud son of immigrants, I join my CAPAC colleagues and my constituents in celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month. Immigrants are a critical part of our country’s history, culture, and economy. Diversity makes our nation stronger.”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“When my parents came to the U.S. 50 years ago, they didn’t know anyone in the entire hemisphere. My dad went on to be a researcher, looking into cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s and my mom became a nurse at a hospital in New Jersey. They both came here to seek their American dream and they gave our family a chance to succeed. They have contributed a lot to our national tapestry and their story is truly an American story. This National Immigrant Heritage Month I hope we all reflect on how our country’s values of acceptance and diversity has shaped our democracy to be a beacon of hope to the world.”

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ):

“Immigrants are the heart and soul of our nation, shaping our history and enriching our culture. During National Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor their invaluable contributions to our country. As a nation, we must reject hatred and discrimination, and ensure that all people who come to our country are welcomed, valued, and respected.”

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):

“Immigrants are our friends, neighbors, and family—including my Italian grandparents. Northwest Oregon is home to diverse communities from across the globe. During Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor all who came to this country for a better life and recommit to building a more humane immigration system for those in search of the American Dream. I join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating the contributions of immigrants and their legacy.”

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):

“As we mark the beginning of National Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate our country’s history of welcoming immigrants. Houston is a city of immigrants, from across the country and around the world. We come from many places, backgrounds, faiths, and traditions. We celebrate our diversity of experiences, beliefs, views, and priorities, and what makes our community so dynamic. I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in celebrating our history of recognizing the contributions immigrants have made to our communities and to our country.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“As the daughter of immigrant parents, I’m proud to join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month. Immigrants have contributed their food, music, history, language, and so much more to the fabric of this country. Our stories are American —and deserve to be celebrated this month and every month.”

Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13):

“As we celebrate National Immigrant Heritage Month, I am proud to join my CAPAC colleagues to honor the invaluable contributions of immigrants who have shaped much of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, and the very fabric of our nation. Immigrants have always been a core part of the American story, and many immigrants from across the globe now proudly call Ohio’s 13th Congressional District home. They are a vital part of our community, workforce, and economy— they work hard, allow businesses to meet their workforce needs, build and grow their own small businesses, invent new technologies, and invest in our nation. Today, we stand united, advocating for a humane and secure pathway to citizenship and repairing our nation’s broken immigration system. The enduring spirit of America is a beacon of hope and opportunity for all, because our strength comes from our ability to work together.”