House passes SAVE Act, noncitizens voting ban, federal elections, proof-of-citizenship requirements, voter roll purge, voting legislation, Mike Johnson, Chip Roy, Trump voting bill
The House of Representatives has passed the SAVE Act, a bill aimed at banning noncitizens from voting in federal elections by expanding proof-of-citizenship requirements and imposing voter roll purge mandates on states. Despite its passage, the bill faces significant opposition in the Senate and a veto threat from President Biden.
House Passes Bill to Ban Noncitizens from Voting in Federal Elections
On a recent Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill aimed at prohibiting noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The bill was approved with a 221-198 vote, garnering support from House Republicans and five Democrats. This legislation seeks to expand proof-of-citizenship requirements and impose voter roll purge mandates on states. Despite its passage in the House, it faces significant opposition in the Senate and a veto threat from President Biden.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The SAVE Act introduces several measures to tighten voting regulations:
- Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements: The bill mandates stricter documentation to prove citizenship for those voting in federal elections.
- Voter Roll Purge Requirements: States would be required to periodically remove ineligible voters from their rolls, a process critics argue could disenfranchise legitimate voters.
Arguments for the Bill
Supporters of the bill, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), argue that it is necessary to prevent noncitizens from voting. Johnson cited instances of noncitizen voting despite it being illegal, although he admitted that proving these occurrences has been challenging. Proponents believe that stricter regulations will ensure the integrity of federal elections and prevent potential voter fraud.
Johnson stated, “Even though it’s already illegal, this is happening,” highlighting the need for additional measures to prevent noncitizen voting. He further emphasized that the bill would make it unlawful for noncitizens to vote within states, addressing the perceived gap in current enforcement.
Arguments Against the Bill
Opponents, including many Democrats and civil rights advocates, argue that the bill is redundant and potentially harmful. They claim that the existing laws already prohibit noncitizens from voting and that the new provisions could result in U.S. citizens being denied their right to vote. Critics also argue that the bill’s true intent is to suppress votes from minority communities, who may be disproportionately affected by the stricter requirements.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) criticized the bill, stating, “We know the data actually shows that immigrants commit less crimes. Communities with lots of immigrants actually are safer.” He and other opponents believe the bill perpetuates harmful stereotypes and spreads disinformation targeting Latino voters.
Study Findings on Noncitizen Voting
Research on the prevalence of noncitizen voting suggests that it is a rare phenomenon. A study by the Brennan Center for Justice found only 30 suspected cases of noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million votes. These findings challenge the claims made by the bill’s supporters about widespread noncitizen voting and suggest that the issue may not be as significant as portrayed.
Political Implications and Motivations
The bill’s passage in the House can be seen as a political maneuver by Speaker Johnson to align with the right flank of the Republican Party and former President Trump. Trump has been a vocal advocate for stricter voting laws and urged GOP lawmakers to pass the SAVE Act. Johnson’s support for the bill comes amid his efforts to consolidate GOP support and fend off challenges to his leadership.
During a joint press conference with Trump in April, Johnson endorsed the idea of banning noncitizens from voting, signaling his commitment to this issue. The former president reiterated his support in a Truth Social post, urging Republicans to pass the bill.
Criticism from Civil Rights Advocates
Civil rights organizations and advocates have expressed strong opposition to the bill, warning that it could lead to voter suppression. Juan Espinoza, senior civil rights adviser at UnidosUS, highlighted the potential negative impact on Latino voters. He stated, “This bill is a dangerous political ploy being used to suppress the vote in communities of color and further undermine voting rights in this country.”
Advocates argue that the heightened requirements could create barriers for eligible voters, particularly in minority communities, and lead to increased disenfranchisement. They also warn that the rhetoric surrounding noncitizen voting contributes to a hostile environment for Latino voters and election officials.
Legislative Journey and Future Prospects
The SAVE Act now heads to the Senate, where it faces significant challenges. Democrats, who hold the majority in the Senate, have expressed strong opposition to the bill, making its passage unlikely. President Biden has also vowed to veto the measure, further diminishing its chances of becoming law.
Conclusion
The passage of the SAVE Act in the House represents a contentious and politically charged effort to tighten voting regulations. While supporters argue that it is necessary to prevent noncitizen voting and ensure election integrity, opponents view it as a redundant measure that could disenfranchise eligible voters and suppress minority votes. The bill’s future remains uncertain as it moves to the Senate, where it faces substantial opposition.
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