In a recent tweet on X (formerly Twitter), tech mogul and world’s richest man Elon Musk has alleged that the reason why Democrats are against the SAVE Act is because they (Democrats) want to bring in as many illegal immigrants with the intention of having them vote in November’s US elections.
The tweet read, “The goal all along has been to import as many illegal voters as possible.”
Musk’s assertion aligns with the narrative of some political figures and commentators, who claim that Democrats seek to benefit electorally by increasing the number of non-citizens who can participate in elections, even though such participation is illegal.
Musk’s statement was in response to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had earlier questioned the motive behind the opposition to the SAVE Act in a tweet on X.
Johnson’s tweet read, “Why are Democrats so adamantly against ensuring only American citizens vote in our elections? They want to turn illegal aliens into voters. We must pass the SAVE Act to prevent this.”
The exchange highlights a heated debate over voter eligibility and election integrity, with Johnson and his supporters pushing for the passage of the SAVE Act and arguing that stricter laws are necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act was introduced by House Republicans to mandate proof of citizenship for federal elections. The bill aims at requiring proof of US citizenship for all federal elections to prevent non-citizens from voting. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the current National Voter Registration Act, which allows individuals to attest to their citizenship by checking a box on registration forms.
The documentation for proof of citizenship include: a US passport, a photo ID card issued with proof of citizenship and a combination of a photo ID and supporting documents such as a birth certificate.
For those lacking these documents, the bill allows states to access federal agency databases to verify citizenship status for voter registration purposes. Additionally, the SAVE Act includes provisions to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and grants the Department of Homeland Security the authority to deport non-citizens found to have illegally registered to vote.
Johnson has been a vigorous advocate for the SAVE Act, highlighting its role in closing loopholes that allow non-citizen voting, enhancing election security, and bolstering public trust in the electoral process. In a detailed plea to House members, Johnson underscored the necessity of passing the bill to safeguard American elections against foreign interference.
The SAVE Act has sparked intense debate along party lines. Democratic leaders who oppose the bill argue that it imposes undue burdens on various groups, including military personnel, Native Americans, naturalised citizens, and elderly voters who may face challenges in acquiring the required documentation.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark criticised the bill as placing an “extreme burden” on millions of Americans, potentially disenfranchising vulnerable populations. Clark’s question highlighted the potential adverse effects of the bill on those who might struggle to obtain the necessary documents to prove their citizenship
As the debate over the SAVE Act continues, it remains to be seen how the proposed changes will impact the US electoral process. Proponents argue it will secure elections and prevent illegal voting, while opponents warn of the potential for disenfranchisement and increased barriers to voting for certain populations.
Melissa Enoch
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