Comments on: Getting involved in the campaign as a non-citizen

Question: Getting involved in the campaign as a non-citizen

papalotl — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:34:42 -0800

Can permanent residents (not US citizens) get involved in the political campaign?

I have a 2 year temporary green card that will hopefully become permanent next year. I can't vote, but I want to volunteer as a community organizer for the Obama campaign. Are there any restrictions to this in the US law? Can this affect my immigration process in any conceivable way?

By: Rubbstone

Rubbstone — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:50:49 -0800

Yes, Yes , God No. Go ahead

By: potsmokinghippieoverlord

potsmokinghippieoverlord — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:02:31 -0800

http://www.ailc.com/howdoi/PermRes.htm#voting

Looks like you just can't vote. I think you can even donate to campaigns:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/main

" Check this box to confirm that the following statements are true and accurate:
:: I am a United States citizen or a lawfully-admitted permanent resident...."

By: potsmokinghippieoverlord

potsmokinghippieoverlord — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:04:23 -0800

It would help if I made those real links, huh?

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/main

http://www.ailc.com/howdoi/PermRes.htm#voting

By: halogen

halogen — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:15:55 -0800

I am a permanent U.S. resident (a E.U. citizen).

I was a high school senior in the U.S. before I had my permanent residence card (J-2 visa thanks to scientist dad), and for our Government class, I had to spend a certain number of hours working for a political campaign of our choice. My immigration status was not at all a problem when I inquired about it at the time.

As a permanent green card holder, you are allowed to donate not only your time, but money as well (I am not sure about temporary green cards when it comes to donating your money).

This also may be of interest to you: last month I was hired as a poll worker in Seattle, even though I am not permitted to vote. Requirements for volunteering at elections vary, however‒here in Houston, only U.S. citizens can be poll workers.

By: meta_eli

meta_eli — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:16:41 -0800

Uh, I don't think you can donate money unless you're actually a full permanent resident. But you can sure help in other ways. Go ahead and call the local campaign office.

By: gimonca

gimonca — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:04:41 -0800

I don't think you can donate money unless you're actually a full permanent resident.

That is correct (according to the fine print on the many solicitations I get in the mail).

By: holgate

holgate — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:31:59 -0800

The USCIS definition of 'conditional permanent resident' talks about it being a temporary grant of permanent resident status, so I think you're okay to donate (in combination with this FEC note), but as with all immigration-related matters, you could probably ask three people and get five different interpretations. (The definition of permanent resident that the FEC relies upon is here.)

No reason at all why you can't volunteer.

By: lunasol

lunasol — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:34:01 -0800

Yes, please do volunteer! I've known people on student visas (definitely not permanent residents) who volunteered on campaigns. You should be fine. Hell, campaigns occasionally have foreign nationals working as paid staffers.

As for donating, I'd maybe call HQ and see what they say. Really, it's up to the campaign how much risk they want to assume in taking donations from foreign nationals.

By: airplain

airplain — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:32:43 -0800

Volunteer! So much more useful than a donation, and available to anyone even a visitor.

By: thirteenkiller

thirteenkiller — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:11:54 -0800

I'm pretty sure a two-year green card gives you all the privileges of a ten-year green card. You can donate money.

By: papalotl

papalotl — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:26:27 -0800

Thank you all!