The Voter Integrity Protection Act, or H.R. 58, is a proposed law that aims to make it a serious crime for undocumented immigrants to vote in federal elections. This bill seeks to change how such cases are handled by making voting by unlawfully present aliens an aggravated felony, leading to deportation.
What This Bill Does
The Voter Integrity Protection Act is a short bill that proposes changes to existing immigration laws. Currently, it's illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, but this bill takes it a step further. It amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to classify voting by undocumented immigrants as an aggravated felony. This means that if an undocumented person is caught voting, they could face deportation and be barred from re-entering the United States forever.
The bill specifically changes two sections of the INA. First, it adds a new subparagraph to Section 101(a)(43), making voting by undocumented immigrants a serious crime. Second, it updates Section 237(a)(2) to ensure that any undocumented person who votes can be deported, regardless of their previous immigration status.
These changes are significant because they link illegal voting directly to deportation, which is a much harsher penalty than the current law. Right now, non-citizens who vote illegally can face fines or jail time, but this bill would make deportation mandatory.
Why It Matters
For everyday Americans, this bill might not seem to have a direct impact, but it touches on broader issues of election integrity and immigration enforcement. Supporters argue that it helps protect the integrity of elections by ensuring that only eligible citizens can vote. This is especially important in close elections where even a small number of illegal votes could make a difference.
However, the bill could also have unintended consequences. It might create fear among immigrant communities, especially in mixed-status families where some members are citizens and others are not. This could lead to lower voter turnout among citizens who are afraid of the repercussions for their family members.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: No official cost estimate, but likely minimal as it shifts existing deportation costs.
- Timeline for Implementation: Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
- Number of People Affected: Targets an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, with indirect effects on mixed-status families.
- Key Dates: Introduced on January 3, 2025, but no further actions have been taken.
- Ultra-short Bill: The bill is under one page long, focusing on two main changes to the INA.
- Bipartisan Support: Currently, only two Republican cosponsors, indicating limited bipartisan backing.
- Historical Context: Reflects ongoing debates about election integrity and immigration enforcement, especially post-2020 elections.
Arguments in Support
- Deters non-citizen voting: By making it a serious crime, supporters believe it will discourage undocumented immigrants from voting illegally.
- Closes enforcement gaps: Ensures that voting violations lead to deportation, streamlining immigration enforcement.
- Restores trust in elections: Addresses public concerns about election integrity and the potential for illegal voting.
- Aligns penalties with crime severity: Treats illegal voting as a serious offense, similar to other aggravated felonies.
Arguments in Opposition
- Redundancy: Non-citizen voting is already illegal and rare, so this bill may not significantly change the current situation.
- Risk of overreach: Could lead to false accusations and complicate the naturalization process for legal immigrants.
- Lack of evidence: Critics argue that there is little evidence of widespread non-citizen voting, suggesting resources could be better spent elsewhere.
- Chilling effect: Might suppress voter turnout among citizens in mixed-status families due to fear of deportation.