It is very hard to see why we would not want all lawful adult residents participating actively in the civic life of their communities. In many school districts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, for example, the commanding majority of parents of kids in public schools are immigrant non-citizens. Don't we want those people participating in school board, PTA, and city council elections? Don't we want them engaged with their kids' education? With so many citizens too busy, too tired, or too alienated to participate, why would we not want to invite everyone into the democratic process? Participation is a public good that benefits us all. |