The House of Representatives has passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill aimed at preventing non-citizens from voting in U.S. federal elections. The legislation, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, passed with a 221-198 vote earlier this month.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has pledged that Republicans will act decisively to block illegal immigrants from participating in U.S. elections. “On voting, our most sacred right as citizens, voting. Biden and Harris want illegals to vote now that they’ve opened up the border. Republicans will repass the SAVE Act to block illegal aliens from voting in our elections,” Scalise stated in a recent press conference.
The SAVE Act and Its Proponents
The SAVE Act, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act to include a proof of U.S. citizenship requirement for voter registration in federal elections. Proponents, including Scalise, assert that the bill is crucial for addressing the issue of non-citizens voting illegally. They highlight concerns over the influx of over 7 million illegal immigrants under the Biden administration, emphasizing the need to “shore up our election security and ensure that only American citizens are voting in American elections.”
Democrats have largely opposed the SAVE Act, arguing that it could disenfranchise eligible voters and that there is insufficient evidence of widespread non-citizen voting. Critics also contend that the bill could complicate the registration process and deter lawful voters from participating in elections.
The passage of the SAVE Act in the House marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over voting rights and election integrity. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future. If enacted, it would introduce new measures aimed at preventing non-citizens from voting, reflecting a broader push by Republicans to tighten election laws.
