House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Darrell Issa recently embarked on a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the issue of illegal immigration and its potential impact on elections. The visit followed the House passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill aimed at preventing noncitizens from voting in federal elections.
The SAVE Act addresses concerns about the potential for noncitizen voting, which Speaker Johnson argues is a real threat to election integrity. He points to the ease with which noncitizens can register to vote in many states by claiming U.S. citizenship, despite the potential for fraud. The bill seeks to address this loophole by requiring states to request proof of citizenship from all voter registrants and providing access to federal databases for verification.
Beyond preventing noncitizen registration, the SAVE Act also focuses on cleaning up voter rolls and ensuring that only legitimate citizens can vote. It allows states to accept a wide range of documents for proof of citizenship and establishes an alternative process for Americans who have lost their documentation. The bill also requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to notify state election officials when an individual becomes a naturalized citizen, ensuring their voting rights are secured.
While the SAVE Act enjoys widespread public support, with polls indicating that 89% of Americans believe only U.S. citizens should vote, the bill has faced fierce opposition from Democrats. The White House has issued a veto threat, and Democrat leaders have discouraged their members from supporting the bill. This opposition has been attributed to the Democrats’ desire to maintain their power and their perceived willingness to accept noncitizen voting to achieve this goal.
The SAVE Act’s proponents argue that it is essential to protect the integrity of American elections and prevent foreign interference. They point to the potential for noncitizen votes to influence election outcomes in key battleground states, particularly given the increasing number of illegal immigrants entering the country. With elections becoming increasingly close, even a small number of fraudulent votes could have a significant impact on the results.
The passage of the SAVE Act highlights the ongoing debate over election integrity and the role of noncitizens in the American political system. The bill’s future remains uncertain as it faces significant opposition in the Senate, but its supporters remain committed to ensuring that only American citizens have a voice in the nation’s elections.
