New Haven to propose allowing non-citizen immigrants to vote in municipal elections (Illegals too)

NewHaven Register.com ^ | December 13, 2011 | Mary E. O’Leary

[raybbr]

NEW HAVEN — New Haven is taking its immigrant-friendly approach one step further and has proposed allowing non-citizen residents, including those who are undocumented, to vote in municipal elections.

The proposal is part of a package it will submit to state lawmakers for the session that starts in February.

Mayor John DeStefano Jr. Tuesday said the impetus behind the proposal is “to build a more engaged participatory community” and it follows the example of other cities that have already done this.

Related: DeStefano says federal program detaining illegal immigrants would undermine community trust

Legal immigrants and undocumented immigrants who currently can’t vote would still not be able to vote in state or national elections. The change in New Haven would have to be approved by state lawmakers.

[glorgau]

This could be viewed as disenfranchising citizens through the dilution of their votes.

[kearnyirish2]

It is frightening that this is being openly discussed apparently without fear of consequences by politicians. We are beyond hope; gather your tribe/clan near, and be prepared.

[Dogbert41]

What in the world does this have to do with Newt? Your not helping your cause, whatever it is, at all.

[Clemenza]

Not entirely true. German speaking ghettos lasted in the US until WWI, and the Irish weren't exactly yankee doodle dandies themselves. Ethnic and racial, to say nothing of religious tension was far worse 160 years ago.

The idea that people came to America to "become Americans" is 20th century revisionism. Even with a long boat ride, the assimilation process was slow, and took at least three generations even for northern European immigrants.

[DoughtyOne]

Absolutely...