Feature Article
EVERY VOTE COUNTS
The Impact of Immigrants and Voting
By Lisa Liang
Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
[email protected]
P
resident Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law
Day in 1958 to mark the nation’s commitment to the
rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution
designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law
Day, which is codified U.S. Code, Title 36, Section 113. Every
president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on
May 1 to celebrate the nation’s commitment to the rule of
law.
Since the inception of Law Day, the Atlanta Bar has taken
a proactive and leading role in the promotion of Law Day.
This year’s Law Day theme is American Democracy and the
Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters. As we approach the
50th anniversaries of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 2014 Law Day
theme calls on every American to reflect on
the importance of a citizen’s right to vote and
the challenges we still face in ensuring that all
Americans have the opportunity to participate
in our democracy.
Newly admitted citizens of the United States
are uniquely positioned to reflect upon the
privilege, responsibility and importance of the
right to vote. Charles Kuck, Managing Partner
of Kuck Immigration Partners, reflected on this
point by highlighting the power of the right to
vote: “The right to vote is especially treasured
by immigrants. Many come from countries where the choice
of candidates is dictated by the government. The right to
vote – to select their government – is the highest symbol of
their new citizenship.”
Jessica Stern of STERNLaw, who along with criminal defense
work, does a significant amount of immigration work, adds to
Kuck’s point about the motivation and power of the right to
vote: “With this honor of citizenship comes the opportunity
to vote. With so many of their loved ones and friends
underrepresented by our government, the opportunity to vote
and have their voices heard is a duty that is not taken lightly.
Casting one’s vote as a new U.S. Citizen is the link that binds
our interwoven ideas and cultures, creat [