H.R.58 - Voter Integrity Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 58, the "Voter Integrity Protection Act," aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by classifying voting in a Federal election by an unlawfully present alien as an aggravated felony. It also makes such an offense a deportable offense. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Biggs of Arizona and Ms. Mace and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would lead to stricter penalties for unlawfully present aliens who vote in federal elections. This could result in increased deportations and potential legal challenges regarding voting rights and equal protection. It may also deter non-citizens from voting, even if they mistakenly believe they are eligible.
Potential Benefits
- May enhance the perception of election integrity among some citizens.
- Could deter unlawful voting, potentially preventing ineligible votes from being cast.
- Reinforces existing laws against non-citizen voting.
- Provides a clearer legal framework for prosecuting and deporting non-citizens who vote unlawfully.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could disenfranchise eligible voters who may be mistakenly identified as unlawfully present.
- May disproportionately affect immigrant communities and create a chilling effect on voter participation.
- Could lead to increased racial profiling and discrimination.
- May strain resources of the justice system due to increased prosecutions and deportations.
- Could be perceived as an attempt to suppress voter turnout among specific demographic groups.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. While Article I, Section 2 grants states the power to define elector qualifications, the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause could be invoked if the law is applied in a discriminatory manner. Additionally, the bill does not appear to violate any specific provision of the Constitution on its face, but its implementation could raise concerns about due process and equal protection under the law.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).