Immigration Voting Rights

Centuries have past since the cry, “No Taxation without Representation” echoed in the streets during the American and French Revolutions, but the fundamental ideals are still debated today. More specifically the complicated question regarding immigrant’s voting rights. There are many strong arguments for both sides of the controversy, but it is much more difficult to discern than telling apart black from white.
People who discourage giving non-citizens voting rights feel strongly that citizenship should precede voting because if you do not their loyalty is questionable. They state that immigrants may vote on issues in a way that favors their home country or other immigrants. Another matter that is raised is that a non-citizen may not be completely up to the date on important issues or the candidates that could appear on the ballots. This could perhaps stand in the way of them not making the most informed decision (Immigrant Voting Rights Receive More Attention). In addition, their stance is that Voting is the essence of citizenship so therefore it should not be granted beforehand (Common Misconceptions About Immigrant Voting).
Those that endorse immigrant’s voting rights believe that each person who belongs to a community, which includes paying for taxes, should have the right to decide where their money goes. They also say that most aliens are planning to become citizens, and that by allowing them to vote promotes interest in civic affairs. It is important to remember, they warn, that non-citizens do not all have the same interests and it is important to represent them as you would native born Americans (Immigrant Voting Rights Receive More Attention).
Personally, I believe that it is important to accept that there are various groups that need representation in our local decisions. However I think there should be some restrictions on voting rights for non-citizens. For instance, I believe there should minimum time that legal residents need to have been legal residents in order for them to receive voting rights.

Work Cited
Hayduk, Ron, and Michele Wucker. "Immigrant Voting Rights Receive More Attention." Migration Information Source. 1 Nov. 2004. Migration Policy Institute. 31 Jan. 2007 .
"Common Misconceptions About Immigrant Voting." Immigrant Voting Project. Moving Ideas. 31 Jan. 2007. .