In over a year of the Trump presidency, it is obvious that the main tactic for fear-mongering the American public is the scape-goating and villainization of immigrants to further domestic oppression. From dehumanizing rhetoric to Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] killing American citizens, it seems that this administration’s goals in targeting immigrants have evolved into voter suppression.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility [SAVE] America Act requires voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship at the time of registration and a photo ID at the time of voting. For many Americans, this could mean a birth certificate or a U.S. passport, which costs $130 and takes four to six weeks to arrive. However, according to American Communities, only 56% of American adults own a passport. This is in direct violation of the 24th Amendment, which made poll taxes illegal as a voting requirement, and will inhibit Americans from voting.
Many are wondering what this means for registered voters that have taken their partner’s last name in marriage. If the act is passed, your proof of citizenship must match your name on your photo I.D., which is only further suppressing female voters. However, according to National Public Radio [NPR], states are able to ease this pressure by accepting secondary documents, like a legal decree of a name change or a marriage certificate. However, this may not completely solve the issue since for women who have been married a long time, as they may not have access to their marriage certificate and court decrees are generally not required of people who want to change their name.
As of 1924, all fifty states have banned non-citizens from voting in federal elections and in doing so, or even registering to vote, would result in a five year prison sentence. Regardless of this, in Michigan, officials identified 16 credible cases of non-citizens voting out of the 5.7 million total votes cast in their 2024 general election, according to NPR.
This bill is heavily supported by republicans and passed in the House of Representatives on Feb. 11. Proponents frame the act as combating non-eligible citizens from voting in federal elections. While this intention does not seem malicious, the SAVE America Act is a futile solution to a nonexistent problem.
I am horrified, yet somehow not surprised, that the majority of our Congress and our administration is even considering this, as it will effectively disenfranchise millions of Americans, especially women, who want to exercise their constitutionally-given right.