Elon Musk is stirring the pot with his latest comments on immigration and its potential impact on elections. He recently took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to voice concerns about what he sees as a deliberate strategy by the Democratic Party to reshape the electorate. Musk argues that open-border policies, coupled with welfare incentives and lenient law enforcement, are being used to import a new voter base that may sway future elections.
In a striking post, Musk stated, “Once the Democrat Party realized if you have open borders, and provide a ton of handouts—it creates a massive incentive for [migration], AND you don’t prosecute the crime? They will be beholden to you, and they will vote for you.” He backed his claims with a rallying cry for supporters to push for the SAVE Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Musk’s assertions reflect a broader narrative he has developed since mid-2024, suggesting that the surge in illegal immigration is a calculated effort rather than a natural reaction to humanitarian needs. He likens this strategy to a “voter importation scam,” highlighting reported increases in illegal immigrant populations in critical swing states. Data Musk shared claims that Arizona saw a 734% rise, Georgia a 401% rise, and Michigan a 775% rise in illegal immigrants since 2021. Drawing a direct line between these figures and electoral outcomes, Musk warned, “The only question is when (not if) enough migrants can vote to flip all swing states,” suggesting a shift toward a permanent one-party rule.
While Musk’s statements resonate with certain audiences, they face significant pushback from legal and immigration experts. The consensus is clear: under current U.S. law, undocumented immigrants cannot vote in federal elections. Permanent resident status must be held for five years before applying for citizenship, a requirement highlighted by Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokesperson for the Migration Policy Institute. She stated, “It takes on average five years in green card status before a person can become a U.S. citizen, so no one would instantly gain the right to vote.” This nuance undermines Musk’s argument that noncitizens will quickly become a voting bloc for the Democratic Party.
Furthermore, David Bier from the Cato Institute dismissed Musk’s claims as “ludicrously untrue,” indicating that the assertion of immigration being orchestrated to flip elections lacks solid evidence. Despite the challenges to his narrative, Musk continues to draw attention to the reality of congressional representation tied to total population, regardless of legal status. The U.S. Census Bureau mandates that every resident, including illegal immigrants, counts towards a state’s representation—a factor that could amplify political power in states with higher noncitizen populations.
Legislation proposed by Sen. Bill Hagerty aimed to alter this by counting only citizens for apportionment purposes, but the amendment failed to pass the Senate. Musk criticized this outcome, emphasizing that it allows new undocumented migrants to inflate the representation in Congress.
The alarm bells continued to ring for Musk following serious incidents involving illegal immigrants. The murder of nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia by an illegal immigrant highlighted concerns over enforcement and led Musk to point out, “Dems won’t deport, because every illegal is a highly likely vote at some point.” He suggests that the Democratic approach to immigration is motivated by electoral gains, a claim bolstered by a growing narrative among conservatives regarding lax immigration enforcement.
Interestingly, even some Democrats have begun to acknowledge concerns about illegal immigrant behavior, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul suggesting deportation for violent offenders. However, the broader context shows that millions have been deported under Democratic administrations, including over five million during President Obama’s tenure.
Musk’s focus remains on the speed at which migrants can become citizens and subsequently voters. Though no clear evidence suggests a fast-tracking of naturalization for unauthorized immigrants, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has acknowledged initiatives to manage application backlogs. Yet, these efforts do not equate to control over immigrant settlement or political agendas.
As the 2024 election draws nearer, the stakes are high. Key swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona often decide electoral outcomes by small margins. Musk’s continued assertions that new immigrant populations could influence these states tap into a deeply polarized political debate.
Musk’s posts are unlikely to lose momentum as the election approaches. His claims, whether substantiated or not, reach a vast audience and keep the conversation on immigration, citizenship, and voter rights front and center. His urgent call for action surrounding the SAVE Act serves as a clarion call for those concerned about the implications of immigration on the electoral landscape, ensuring that this issue remains a focal point as Americans head to the polls.
"*" indicates required fields
