Sookhee Oh

This study uses CPS data from Congressional election years during 1996-2004 to examine racial/ethnic differences in political participation and the role of immigration in shaping those differences. Blacks and whites participate more than Hispanics or Asians, but this disparity is not due to these latter groups ’ large share of immigrants among eligible voters or to differences in other personal characteristics (such as income, education, and age) that have large effects on participation. This study shows that More attention needs to be given to collective factors, including race and ethnicity, the community context, and electoral policies that promote or obstruct participation. Although voting is a private act by an individual, this individual behavior is strongly influenced by group membership and their social and political environment