Now that there are only two weeks left until the presidential election, Albanian-Americans see themselves as a category of voters who in certain countries can influence the outcome of the vote.
But, as in previous elections, they do not present themselves as a single bloc in favor of a particular candidate. Voice of America (VOA) talked on Skype with some community activists. Their preferences vary, with some saying that Albanians in America should not close their doors to any of the political parties.
Whether they cast their ballots by mail or go to the polls, Albanian-Americans are divided on their preferences for the upcoming elections.
Both candidates have been personally involved in issues related to Albanians, President Donald Trump bringing the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia to the White House, while his Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden reminding them that he has a pro-Albania and Kosovo vision.
Peter Lumaj, a lawyer who ran for governor of Connecticut two years ago, says he has his reasons for supporting President Donald Trump.
"Every promise he made in 2016 to the voters he has kept. If you look at the strengthening of the economy, the dollar, investment, immigration, the strengthening of the military, the Americanism that he put before everything, these are promises that in the recent history of America previous presidents did not keep during the campaign, while President Trump is special and kept all the promises.”
To the question of VOA if President Trump is re-elected, would this affect the impetus for reforms in Albania and reach a Kosovo-Serbia agreement for mutual recognition, Mr. Lumaj answers:
"The Trump administration is extremely interested in fighting corruption and developing the economy. Albania and the Balkans are known for their weak economies and corruption. If you look at his promises of concrete steps to resolve the Middle East conflict over Israel, he was the only one who achieved that. He did the same with Serbia and Kosovo. He forced them to come to Washington and discuss at least the first step in terms of easing economic relations and strengthening the economy between the two states. "I believe that the re-election of Mr. Trump, which I see could happen and has an extremely high probability of happening again, would be positive for the entire Balkans, including Kosovo and Albania."
In New York, Avni Mustafaj is part of a group called Albanian-Americans for Biden. He says the group's campaign focuses on states such as Michigan, which could be crucial to the election. Mr. Mustafaj lists some of the reasons for his support for Mr. Biden:
"For Joe Biden, we know that he has been active in Albanian affairs, he has been very aggressive and very pro-Albanian."
Mr. Mustafaj illustrates this with his experience from the day NATO began bombing Milosevic's forces in 1999 and when he and other Albanians were in a Congress hall:
"When I heard the bombing started, I went out into the hallway and the first person I saw was then-Senator Joe Biden. I said, "Mr. Senator, thank you very much for saving our people."
Mr. Mustafaj showed VOA a letter that he says expresses Mr. Biden's vision for Albania and Kosovo.
"This letter shows the relations he will have with the issues of Albanians in the future. He has made it clear that ... he will support Kosovo so that Serbia recognizes Kosovo without border changes, but as it is. "Vice President Biden says he will be committed to helping Albania join the European Union as soon as possible."
Richard Lukaj, founder of Bank Street banking group in Stamford, Connecticut, is a registered Republican but has participated in Democrat activities, such as in 2014, when Vice President Joe Biden was invited to his fundraiser meeting.
"It is extremely important that the Albanian community does not allow our issues to become partisan issues in this country. We have a long legacy of bipartisan commitment to our interest in Southeast Europe. "It's very important that we maintain that attitude."
Mr. Lukaj says that he does not want to minimize the importance of these elections, where he thinks that the Albanian community has a lot to offer, but he believes that the Albanian-Americans should not close the doors to any political force: