Voter Integrity Protection Act This bill imposes additional immigration-related penalties for non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who vote in an election for federal office. It shall be an aggravated felony for a non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present to violate an existing prohibition against a non-U.S. national voting in a federal election. (An aggravated felony conviction carries various immigration consequences, such as rendering the non-U.S. national inadmissible, deportable, and barred from establishing good moral character for naturalization.) A non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present and who knowingly violates the prohibition against voting in a federal election shall be deportable.
The implications of HB 90 are substantial as they directly relate to the legal framework governing immigration and voting. By designating unlawful voting as an aggravated felony, the law would align more stringent immigration consequences with violations of voting rights. This approach could lead to increased deportations and stricter immigration enforcement against non-U.S. nationals, particularly those who might inadvertently find themselves violating this provision. Moreover, the bill reflects a legislative trend prioritizing voter integrity, signaling a rigorous stance against perceived electoral fraud.
House Bill 90, titled the 'Voter Integrity Protection Act', aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by imposing stricter penalties for non-U.S. nationals who unlawfully vote in federal elections. If passed, the bill will categorize such actions as aggravated felonies, thereby making it easier for the federal government to pursue deportation and other immigration consequences for individuals found guilty of this offense. This legislative measure is particularly focused on deterring illegal voting and reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process in the United States.
There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 90. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary for upholding the integrity of elections and ensuring that only eligible citizens participate in the democratic process. They contend that unauthorized voting undermines citizen trust in electoral outcomes. Conversely, opponents raise concerns regarding the potential for increased discrimination and the misuse of such laws to deter lawful immigrants from engaging in the electoral process. Critics warn that the repercussions of labeling unlawful voting as an aggravated felony could result in grave injustices for those who may not fully understand their voting rights, further complicating the intersection of immigration law and civil rights.