Republicans are reviving the SAVE Act, a Trump-backed bill aimed at preventing noncitizen voting in federal elections.
At a Glance
- The SAVE Act requires states to verify U.S. citizenship before voter registration
- Bill mandates removal of noncitizens from voter rolls
- Legislation has 59 co-sponsors in the House and support from conservative groups
- Republicans now control Senate and White House, increasing bill’s chances
- Critics argue the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters lacking documentation
Republicans Push for Stricter Voter Eligibility Checks
In a move to bolster election integrity, House and Senate Republicans are reintroducing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation, backed by President-elect Trump, aims to prevent noncitizen participation in federal elections by imposing strict citizenship verification requirements on states.
The SAVE Act, spearheaded by Congressman Chip Roy and Senator Mike Lee, mandates that states obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity in person when registering individuals to vote. It also requires states to establish programs for removing noncitizens from voter rolls and allows citizens to sue officials who fail to enforce the law.
Republican Support and Legislative Progress
The bill has gained significant traction among Republicans, with 59 co-sponsors in the House and support from conservative groups like the Only Citizens Vote Coalition and Tea Party Patriots Action. Its reintroduction comes at a time when Republicans control both the Senate and the White House, increasing its chances of passage.
“American elections belong to American citizens, and the public’s confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic,” Rep. Chip Roy said.
The SAVE Act is expected to be introduced in the Senate next week, marking a crucial step in its legislative journey. It’s part of a broader focus on immigration-related issues in Congress, alongside the recently passed Laken Riley Act.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized the GOP’s commitment to securing borders and protecting elections. The House passed a rules package listing the SAVE Act as one of its top legislative priorities, underscoring its importance to the Republican agenda.
“A vast majority of our countrymen agree: only American citizens should be able to register and vote in American elections. The SAVE Act gives states the ability to prevent illegal voter registration and protect the ballot box from foreign election interference,” Sen. Mike Lee stated.
The push against noncitizen voting, though already illegal and rare, has been a significant GOP issue since 2024. Republicans have linked it to broader immigration concerns, a key topic in President-elect Trump’s agenda.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite Republican support, the SAVE Act faces criticism from Democrats and voting rights advocates.
Of course…
The Biden administration has argued that the bill would hinder voter registration and risk purging eligible voters from rolls. Critics also warn that the legislation could disproportionately affect marginalized groups who may lack easy access to proof of citizenship.
What else did you expect from these people?
