Wing Kwan (Kelly) Wong, a 28-year-old Chinese immigrant from Hong Kong, was recently sworn in as the newest member of San Francisco's Elections Commission. This has sparked debates over allowing noncitizens to hold such crucial positions. Despite being a non-U.S. citizen, Wong is tasked with shaping policies for the city's elections. Critics have raised concerns that she will not be able to vote in the elections she will influence. This has drawn backlash from conservative circles. Republican U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt expressed disbelief on Fox Business, emphasizing the perceived disregard for national borders by those supporting such appointments. The controversy has also spilled onto social media, with posts critical of Wong gaining traction. Conservative commentators have seized the opportunity to frame Wong as emblematic of open borders and a potential national security threat. This has deepened concerns about the influence of noncitizens in U.S. politics. Wong arrived in the U.S. for graduate school at Tufts University in 2019. She currently works for the nonprofit Chinese for Affirmative Action in San Francisco's Chinatown, where she has emphasized her passion for immigrant rights. In an interview, Wong highlighted her commitment to representing an immigrant voice in San Francisco despite being unable to cast a vote herself. However, Wong's appointment has triggered a broader debate. Chinese for Affirmative Action confirmed receiving numerous anti-China and racist attacks following Wong's appointment, exposing the extent of the polarization surrounding this issue. Contrary to accusations linking her to China, Wong has been critical of Beijing. In her statement applying for the commissioner seat, she discussed her involvement in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and her observations of the erosion of freedom in Hong Kong.
Nonetheless, critics argue that her past does not alleviate concerns about her current role in the U.S. The decision to allow noncitizens to serve on city commissions in San Francisco stems from a 2020 charter amendment, passed by 54% to 46%. Despite reflecting the city's voters' acceptance of noncitizen participation, critics contend that positions directly influencing elections should be reserved for citizens who can fully participate in the democratic process. The president of the Board of Supervisors, Aaron Peskin, who appointed Wong, defended the decision, emphasizing the voters' intent to bring diverse voices into civic conversations. However, critics, including John Dennis, chair of the San Francisco Republican Party, argue that allowing noncitizens to serve on commissions compromises the integrity of the democratic process. As San Francisco grapples with the fallout of Wong's appointment, whether noncitizens should hold positions with direct influence on elections remains contentious. This raises concerns about the intersection of representation, citizenship, and the potential risks associated with such appointments.