The Republican National Committee is helping legally residing immigrants to gain U.S. citizenship as part of a new outreach initiative to minorities.
RNC staffers will coach those seeking citizenship in American civics and history. They’ll also instruct immigrants on what to expect on the citizenship test, such as questions on the branches of government or significant dates in U.S. history.
“The RNC is growing our party through purposeful education and engagement,” RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said. “Our commitment to providing opportunities for all to live out the American Dream is broadening our base because our ideas transcend all backgrounds.”
Mrs. McDaniel added that Democrats were taking minority communities for granted, and the GOP will continue to “earn each vote ahead of November.”
The RNC will work with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office, as well as other civics-focused education programs.
Currently, more than 9 million lawful permanent residents are eligible to naturalize, meaning they could gain citizenship in time to vote in the November elections.
The initiative is in line with the GOP’s efforts to diversify its electorate and invest in minority communities, as it makes some inroads among Hispanic and Black voters.
Rep. Henry Cuellar, Texas Democrat, said he found the Republicans’ new initiative “interesting” and a type of long-term investment he wants to see from his party.
“I didn’t know you could have outside folks become instructors, so they’re reaching out to the new folks, and the new folks are very interesting because they’re very good at voting,” Mr. Cuellar said.
He said Democrats should invest money and resources sooner in a campaign year, and work on their messaging to temper far-left talking points such as “defunding the police.”
“The Democrat Party starts spending money on Labor Day, but it’s got to be more long-term, and the Republicans have looked at long-term investment,” he said.
The Republicans Party has stepped up minority outreach efforts after gains made in recent election cycles, particularly among Hispanic voters. As part of the effort, the RNC opened several community centers across the country to court Hispanic, Black, Asian American and American Indian voters.
Despite losing the 2020 presidential election, former President Donald Trump enjoyed increased support from Hispanic voters. In 2021, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a political newcomer, secured his upset victory with the help of Hispanic voters.
• Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.