Transnational Political Engagement and the Civic Incorporation of Mexican Immigrants in the United States

Abstract

Many migrants to the U.S. are engaged in public affairs in their country of origin. Whether such engagement impedes or encourages engagement in American politics remains an open question. Drawing from a unique two-wave panel survey of Mexican immigrants conducted in 2006, with surveys waves fielded to correspond to national elections in Mexico and the United States, we examine the relationship between transnational political engagement and attentiveness to American politics. The findings indicate that remote political engagement in Mexican politics is not a barrier to incorporation in the U.S. context. On the contrary, engagement in Mexican campaigns can stimulate interest and participation in U.S. elections.