Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7179

Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, this bill would directly influence how new citizens register to vote, providing a more integrated approach between immigration services and the electoral process. By incorporating field offices of USCIS into the voter registration framework, it is anticipated that many new citizens would find it easier to exercise their right to vote. This amendment could lead to increased voter participation rates among newly naturalized citizens, thereby impacting the demographics of voter turnout.

Summary

House Bill 7179 seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by designating United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices as official voter registration agencies. This change aims to streamline the voter registration process for new citizens, facilitating their ability to register at the same time they gain their citizenship. The bill emphasizes the need for efficient voter registration assistance at naturalization ceremonies, where eligible courts would allow USCIS to conduct voter registration activities.

Contention

However, the bill might face debate regarding the efficacy and security of implementing such a system. Opposing viewpoints may express concerns about potential bureaucratic inefficiencies, privacy issues surrounding the handling of personal information, and the overall impact on the integrity of the voter registration process. Additionally, there could be discussions about the financial implications of enabling these procedures and whether the current resources of USCIS can accommodate these new responsibilities efficiently.

Companion Bills

US SB3712

Same As A bill to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US SB3712

A bill to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

US HB4318

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to eliminate reliance on the change of address information provided by the United States Postal Service for the purpose of removing ineligible voters from the official list of voters in a State, and for other purposes.

US HB6061

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes.

US HB4317

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require States to submit a report to the Election Assistance Commission that includes information with respect to the voter list maintenance activities of the State, and for other purposes.

US HB8623

PROVE Act Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act

US HB2629

Filer Voter Act Tax Filer Voter Registration Act

US HB959

To repeal the provisions of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 other than the provisions requiring States to conduct a general program that makes a reasonable effort to remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters in the State and the provisions imposing criminal penalties for fraudulent voter registration or voting activities.

US SB4461

PROVE Act Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act

US HB5290

Voters on the Move Registration Act of 2023

US HB9727

Voter Empowerment Act of 2024 Voter Registration Efficiency Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2024 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2024 Democracy Restoration Act of 2024 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2024 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2024

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