Political Science

Continuity and Change in U.S. Immigration Policy: A Comparative Analysis of Mexican and Cuban Migration through Liberal and Realist Frameworks
 

Sara Garcia
Southern Nazarene University

This study examines how U.S. immigration policies toward Mexican and Cuban migrants have changed over time and whether these changes reflect a shift toward liberal or realist principles in international relations. Liberalism emphasizes that states can cooperate through institutions, focusing on individual rights, equality, and humanitarian protection. In contrast, realism argues that, in the absence of a global governing authority, states prioritize self-interest, security, and power over cooperation. This study applies a qualitative comparative framework and process tracing method across two periods: 1920-1970 and 2012-2026. It analyzes legislative texts, executive statements, and scholarly sources to trace how Cold War geopolitics led to selective humanitarian treatment that once favored Cuban migrants over Mexican migrants. The findings indicate that earlier policies generally reflected a more liberal approach by expanding humanitarian pathways and providing different treatment, especially for Cuban migrants during the Cold War. Today’s immigration policies show a shift toward realist principles, characterized by increased border enforcement, reduced humanitarian programs, and a greater focus on national security. The study advances the literature on immigration and international relations by extending realist theory to the analysis of domestic immigration policy. Because realism has traditionally focused on interstate relations rather than domestic policy, this research demonstrates how recent immigration policy changes are reflecting realist principles of national security and state interest. Ultimately, this study argues that these policy changes mirror broader shifts in U.S. foreign policy priorities. 

Brains, Beliefs, and Ballots: The Relationship Between Education, Efficacy, and Voter Turnout 

Briar (Haley) Garner
Texas Tech University
 

While political scientists widely agree which factors affect voter turnout, it is widely contested under what conditions turnout is [JC1.1]most affected. To help determine these conditions, we turn to Rational Choice Theory, the idea that all individuals are rational beings and that one will only decide to do something if the benefits outweigh the costs. This theory can be applied to voter turnout via the Calculus of Voting, an equation that breaks down the act of voting into 4 categories: the probability your vote matters, benefits, costs, and the consumptive value. Among experts, many have determined that a higher level of education increases the likelihood of voting. However, since the 2000s turnout has been decreasing while levels of education have been increasing, particularly in the United States. Political efficacy is also a strong determinant of voter turnout. [JC2.1]This can come from internal factors such as how well an individual understands politics or external factors such as an individual’s belief that public officials care what people like them think. We hypothesize that political efficacy will moderate the relationship between education and voter turnout. That is, political efficacy will increase turnout more in individuals with low levels of education than in individuals with high levels of education.[JC3.1] To test this, we will be using the 2020 American National Election Studies (ANES) Survey. Our study will help to understand why education does not increase voter turnout as much as previously thought and where political efficacy might come in to explain the difference.

Which African American church denominations are associated with higher levels of voter turnout among Black congregants?
 

Lea Walker
Lamar University 
 

Black church denominations including the AME, Baptist, COGIC and Catholic denominations can play a significant role in increasing voter turnout. African Americans, whose religious institutions consistently talk about politics and attend church regularly, tend to have increased voter participation compared to their counterparts. There is significant research showing the link between African Americans’ church attendance and their political participation. However, research that examines which denominations have the strongest influence on voter turnout among African Americans remains limited. This research is important because it can help explain how Black religious institutions contribute to political participation, community engagement, and democratic representation in the African American community. This study will be using a mixed methods approach involving primary and secondary data. For the primary data, this study will survey members from each Black church denomination on their church attendance and political participation as well interviews and open-ended survey items. The study aims to show which Black church denominations are associated with higher levels of voter participation among African Americans.