Johnson Unveils Bill to Block Non-Citizens from Voting

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) introduced legislation Wednesday aimed at preventing non-citizens from casting ballots in US elections, citing concerns that a "dangerously high number" of illegal immigrants are eligible to vote.

House Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson have unveiled a bill aimed at blocking non-citizens from voting in US elections. The legislation, entitled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, is co-sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).

Johnson claims that a "dangerously high number" of illegal immigrants are able to vote in US elections, potentially altering the outcome of races. He highlights the Biden administration's open border policies as a contributing factor to this surge in non-citizen voters.

Despite acknowledging that the precise number of illegal immigrants who have voted is unknown, Johnson asserts that the SAVE Act would prevent such occurrences. He emphasizes the need for states to verify citizenship claims made on voter registration forms, a practice currently restricted.

Roy echoes Johnson's concerns, stating that the majority of Americans support stricter voter ID requirements and that only US citizens should be eligible to vote. He emphasizes the importance of documenting this eligibility and ensuring that elections are fair and transparent.

Former Trump administration officials Stephen Miller and Hogan Gidley joined Johnson at the press conference, expressing strong opposition to non-citizens voting. Miller denounced it as "dangerous lunacy," while Gidley labeled it "a threat to the integrity of our democratic process."

Johnson did not provide a specific timeline for bringing the bill to the House floor. However, he remains committed to passing this legislation and safeguarding the integrity of American elections.

The SAVE Act has garnered support from conservative organizations, including the America First Policy Institute. The institute's president, Brooke Rollins, commends the bill for addressing a "critical issue" that undermines trust in the electoral system.

Critics of the bill, primarily from Democratic circles, contend that it is an unnecessary and discriminatory measure. They argue that voter fraud is extremely rare and that the bill would disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly minorities and immigrants.

Despite these criticisms, Johnson and his supporters maintain that the SAVE Act is essential to protecting the integrity of US elections and ensuring that only American citizens have a say in the country's future.