Reflections on the U.S. Midterm Election Results
By Jeff Thielman, President & CEO of the International Institute of New England
As the results of the midterm elections rolled in last night, Americans sent a powerful message about the future they want for this nation: one that is more humane, inclusive, and welcoming to all who call it home.
For many, their vote was a response, in part, to the federal administration’s restrictive immigration policies over the past two years. According to exit polling conducted by NBC in 45 states:
- 60% disapproved of the way ICE is handling its job
- 57% thought the administration’s actions on immigration enforcement have gone too far
- 60% believe immigrants do more to help the country than to hurt it
The majority of voters recognized that an immigration platform fueled by fear and exclusion does not make our communities safer or more prosperous. Their votes reflect what we see at IINE every day. Refugees and immigrants strengthen the communities that welcome them—by joining the workforce, paying taxes, enrolling in schools, purchasing homes, and rebuilding their lives here.
The election also led to historic firsts for underrepresented communities:
- In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes the first Black woman elected governor in the U.S.
- In New Mexico, Deb Haaland becomes the first Native American woman elected governor in the U.S.
- In California, Xavier Becerra becomes the state’s first Latino elected governor
- In Texas, Gina Hinojosa becomes the state’s first Latina elected governor
- In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim-American senator elected in the U.S.
- In New Hampshire, Chris Pappas becomes the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate
These historic wins reflect a founding ideal of our nation: diverse perspectives and backgrounds strengthen our success.
Now, we are focused on what comes next.
The results of this election create a real opportunity to advocate for policies that invest in the safety, health, stability, and success of all our community members.
The timing is critical, as our immigrant neighbors are facing extraordinary instability. In the past two years, the Trump administration has sought to strip them of their legal protections and reduce their access to basic support, including food and healthcare. With each harmful policy change, IINE has sought to fill widening gaps.
With your support, IINE is:
- Hosting Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness trainings to ensure families understand their legal rights and have plans in place should the worst happen and they are separated
- Growing our food delivery program and opening a new food pantry at our Lowell office to help more families facing food instability
- Legally representing hundreds of refugees applying to become lawful permanent residents
Today, there is hope. While this work remains urgent, and the needs remain immediate, we can also focus on helping to build a more sensible and effective immigration system.
Thank you for showing up—at the polls and in your communities—to help us ensure that everyone who calls the U.S. home finds belonging and opportunity here.
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When you support IINE, you help refugees and immigrants find healing and a path forward in New England. Please consider making a gift today.
