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James McCann
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Purdue Expert
Mexican immigrants in 2008 election, public opinion
Written news tip below:
Prof says Mexican expatriates will play large role in presidential race
Video at left, expert discusses:
• Mexican immigrants' views on U.S. politics
• Participation in the process
News tip: Prof says Mexican expatriates will play large role in presidential race
WEST LAFAYETTE - Latinos living in the United States who are not citizens might still be a force in the 2008 presidential election, says a Purdue University political scientist.
"Just because someone lacks citizenship doesn't mean they lack a voice," says James McCann, a professor of political science, who has surveyed more than 1,200 Mexican immigrants in Indiana and other states. "My research has found that even though many in this population are relative newcomers to the United States and most lack citizenship, they are fairly attentive to American politics, especially with issues related to immigration."
Mexican immigrants who cannot vote in U.S. elections contribute to American politics by attending rallies and meetings, talking informally with others about elections, convincing U.S. citizens to vote and even by contributing funds to parties and other political causes, McCann says.
McCann found that half of the Mexican immigrants surveyed in 2006 reported direct involvement in political activities, such as the May 1 "Immigrants' Rights" marches. Thirty percent of those surveyed who were not citizens reported encouraging someone who could vote in an American election to do so.
"It seems that when people see themselves as members of a discriminated group it motivates their political involvement," McCann says. "Think about what happened with civil rights and the women's movement. The issues regarding immigration in this country are mobilizing this group.
"There is already a lot of political engagement taking place that might not be apparent to the naked eye," he says.
More about James McCann
Professor of Political Science
James “Jay” McCann is an expert on electoral polling, U.S. public opinion, and U.S. and Mexican political parties. In 2006, he began surveying Mexican immigrants regarding political participation and other civic issues.
His research also has focused on how sophisticated voters are about politics; how citizens evaluate “corruption” in government; and how procedures for nominating candidates for public office affect political parties. He studies presidential candidate concession speeches as well.
McCann is frequently quoted in the media about American politics and public opinion. He worked as a guest scholar at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., in 2002-03. In 2000, he served as an international election observer in Mexico.
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu