Can Africans living in U.S. vote in Kamala vs Trump presidential election?

With U.S. elections fast approaching on November 5, many African immigrants are eager to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to voting and whether they can vote for either Republican candidate Donald Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Questions often arise about eligibility, the naturalisation process, and dual citizenship considerations.

Here’s an in-depth guide to help clarify these crucial details.

Can Africans living in U.S. vote in Kamala vs Trump presidential election? 

Eligibility Requirements for Voting in the U.S.

Under U.S. federal law, voting rights are exclusively for U.S. citizens, either by birth or through naturalisation.

This restriction means that African immigrants in the United States must become U.S. citizens to participate in federal, state, or local elections.

Individuals who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or have other visas cannot legally vote until they acquire U.S. citizenship.

The consequences of voting without citizenship are severe. According to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, those caught could face fines, jail time, or even deportation.

It’s important for non-citizens to understand that even registering to vote without the proper status can have long-lasting repercussions on their immigration process.

READ: Step-by-step breakdown of U.S. presidential election, how winner is decided

The Naturalisation Process and Voting Rights

Gaining the right to vote in the U.S. involves completing the naturalisation process. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Permanent Residency (Green Card)

The journey to citizenship begins with obtaining a green card, which allows immigrants to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.

Residency Requirement

Immigrants must generally have lived in the U.S. as green card holders for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).

Application for Naturalisation

Eligible residents must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalisation, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Biometrics Appointment

Applicants are required to attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background checks.

Civics Test and Interview

Applicants must pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government and attend an interview with a USCIS officer.

Oath of Allegiance

The final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance, at which point individuals become U.S. citizens and gain full voting rights.

It’s crucial for immigrants to ensure they meet all requirements and understand that any discrepancies in the process can delay their citizenship.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

Many African countries, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

This means that once they become naturalised U.S. citizens, they can retain their original nationality while also enjoying U.S. citizenship benefits.

Dual citizens can vote in elections in both countries, provided they adhere to the regulations set by each nation.

However, dual nationality can come with obligations. For instance, Kenyan dual citizens must declare to the Kenyan government after acquiring a second nationality.

Challenges and Considerations for African Immigrants

African immigrants face unique hurdles when it comes to understanding and exercising their voting rights.

Misinformation is a significant challenge, with many individuals misled by myths about voting eligibility.

There are also fears of mistakenly jeopardising one’s immigration status or facing legal issues due to confusion about voting laws.

To combat this, various advocacy groups and community organisations provide resources to educate African immigrant communities.

These initiatives focus on voter education, helping immigrants distinguish between rights reserved for citizens and those extended to permanent residents.

In summary, only naturalised U.S. citizens have the right to vote in U.S. presidential elections.

It’s crucial for African immigrants to verify their eligibility and ensure they understand the legal requirements before voting for either Republican candidate Donald Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.