The United States House of Representatives has passed the Save America Act (SAVE Act), introducing strict new rules that require voters to present physical proof of citizenship at federal elections with the bill passed narrowly, 218 to 213.
Under the legislation, voters must show original documents, such as a birth certificate or US passport, at polling stations on election day.
Proponents say the law will protect electoral integrity, but critics warn it could disenfranchise millions of Americans, particularly those without passports.
Legal experts, including LaToya McBean Pompy, argue the Act could prevent up to 23 million citizens from voting. She described the bill as a “voter suppression” measure, noting it affects not only typical Democratic constituencies but also residents in Republican (“red”) states who lack the required documentation.
The law could also impact Nigerian-Americans and other naturalised citizens, as obtaining or replacing documents like passports and Certificates of Naturalisation may pose logistical challenges.
In some cases, voters flagged as non-citizens could be removed from registration rolls, heightening scrutiny over immigration status.
The SAVE Act will now move to the Senate, where it is expected to face intense debate. Civil rights groups and legal professionals are urging the public to monitor developments closely.
McBean Pompy cautioned, “US citizens who are watching, you should be aware of this big push that is on the table.
This is something you should watch very, very closely.”
