Los Angeles Times

As Trump seeks reelection, a growing army of immigrant voters stands in his path

HOUSTON - This is where a nation changes: a public school auditorium that moonlights as a veritable citizenship factory.

At the M.O. Campbell Educational Center, where murals honoring the arts and sciences adorn the walls, U.S. immigration officials routinely hold packed naturalization ceremonies. Immigrants approved for citizenship walk in, take the oath of allegiance, and walk out as Americans - and as a small army of new voters.

"It will never, ever be easier to register than it is this morning," U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, who presided over a ceremony last month, told the 2,155 immigrants from more than 100 countries who had just taken their citizenship oaths. "The record for registrations is 89% of those who are sworn in. ... Let's see if we can break that record today."

Amish Soni, a 34-year-old radiologist from India holding a small American flag, was one of the 85% who registered to vote that morning, aided by a volunteer from the League of Women Voters. He "definitely" plans to vote in 2020, partly

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times1 min readInternational Relations
Pomona College Moves Graduation Ceremony To LA After Protesters Occupy Stage
LOS ANGELES — Pomona College has moved Sunday's commencement ceremony 30 miles away to the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, after pro-Palestine protesters set up an encampment this week on the ceremony stage. Tickets will be required to attend the 6
Los Angeles Times2 min read
3 Killed In Single-car Crash In Pasadena That Knocked Out Power To Hundreds
LOS ANGELES — Three people were killed and three others seriously injured in a single-car crash that temporarily knocked out power for hundreds of Pasadena residents early Saturday, authorities said. A Tesla Model 3 sedan was traveling westbound on F
Los Angeles Times2 min readInternational Relations
Burning Man, Home Of 'Radical Self Expression,' Removes Pro-Palestinian Sculpture From Its Website
The debates and protests sparked by Israel's war in the Gaza Strip have worked their way into seemingly every corner in the world — even the free-spirited desert festival in Nevada known as Burning Man. Organizers of the festival, where "radical self

Related Books & Audiobooks