The Politics of Belonging: Generational Differences in Immigrant Issue Priorities During the 2024 Elections

Abstract

This study examines the different assimilation theories and how generational status shapes issue prioritization in the United States. Drawing on an original, nationwide survey conducted after the 2024 elections, the analysis examines variations in issue salience across generational divides, highlighting the interplay between cultural heritage and political assimilation. By focusing on key areas such as healthcare, the economy, national security, foreign policy, immigration, the environment, abortion, and education, the study sheds light on the unique priorities of these groups and how they compare to the general electorate. I find that second-generation immigrants occupy a middle ground between retaining first-generation concerns and aligning with the broader electorate. Additionally, results show that demographic factors also frequently emerged as stronger predictors of issue prioritization that generational status alone. Overall, the study highlights the complexity of immigrant political behavior and demonstrates that immigrant communities cannot be understood as politically uniform groups.