Russel Sage Foundation

Many scholars of immigration and political science fear that, politically speaking, recent immigrants to the United States lag behind the pace set by early twentieth century immigrants. However, there are other ways in which immigrants gain access to the political system, besides holding electoral office. Today’s immigrants show strong involvement with neighborhood associations and labor unions. In so doing, they may develop the skills and leadership experiences that subsequently enable them to engage in other, more conventional forms of political participation.

Political scientist Karthick Ramakrishnan has received a grant from the Foundation to examine the relationship between immigrant status, volunteerism, and political status. He will work with focus groups in six metropolitan areas to examine immigrants’ reasons for participating in volunteer organization and political activities. He will also conduct case studies that will involve interviews with local elected officials, journalists in ethnic and mainstream media, and the leadership and outreach staff of civic organizations. The goal of these interviews is to determine the links between civic organizations and various institutions and processes of local governance.

Reports and Publications

• S. Karthick Ramakrishnan and Irene Bloemraad, eds. Civic Hopes and Political Realities. New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2011.