There’s a major shakeup in immigration policy that’s about to hit hard. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out a bold update that slams the door on citizenship for green card holders caught voting or even attempting to register in American elections. This policy aims to ensure they’re felt.
According to Fox News, effective Friday afternoon, this new directive not only blocks citizenship for non-citizens who violate voter laws but also sets the stage for deportation proceedings against them.
Let’s rewind to the roots of this change, starting with President Donald Trump’s executive order issued back in March. Titled "Preserving And Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," it tasked the Department of Homeland Security with scrutinizing the citizenship status of those registering to vote. It’s a move straight out of Trump’s campaign playbook, doubling down on promises to tighten immigration rules.
Of course, this executive order didn’t sail through unchallenged. Nineteen Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit, and two federal judges in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., struck down parts of the order concerning voter ID mandates. Judge Denise J. Casper, an Obama appointee, didn’t mince words, stating, "The Constitution does not grant the President any specific powers over elections."
That quote might sting for some, but let’s unpack it with a clear head. While the judiciary may limit executive reach over elections, the USCIS policy update stands on different ground, focusing on immigration enforcement rather than voter ID rules. It’s a clever sidestep, keeping the spirit of Trump’s order alive despite the courtroom setbacks.
Under the updated USCIS guidelines, effective as of Friday afternoon, green card holders who’ve voted or tried to register will be deemed lacking in good moral character—a key requirement for citizenship. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a full stop to their naturalization dreams. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ll also face a Notice to Appear for deportation proceedings.
The policy doesn’t stop at voting missteps either. Non-citizens applying for passports or drivers’ licenses in ways that falsely claim U.S. citizenship will also find themselves barred from naturalization and on the fast track to removal. It’s a one-two punch aimed at reinforcing legal boundaries.
An internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital, set to be distributed to USCIS staff on Friday, spells out the gritty details. Employees are instructed to issue deportation notices and even refer cases for criminal prosecution when non-citizens fail to meet moral character standards. This isn’t just policy on paper—it’s a call to action.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser didn’t hold back, declaring, "Illegal voting undermines the will of the American people." He’s got a point—elections are the bedrock of our system, and any breach, intentional or not, chips away at public trust. While empathy for individual circumstances is warranted, safeguarding the process remains paramount.
Tragesser also emphasized the administration’s stance, stating, "Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are making changes." It’s a clear signal that this policy is part of a larger mission to clamp down on voter fraud by non-citizens. The message is loud: play by the rules, or face the fallout.
Adding to that, Tragesser warned, "Aliens who facilitate or perpetuate illegal voting face swift consequences." It’s a stern reminder that the government isn’t just watching—it’s acting. For those who thought they could skirt the system, this policy is a wake-up call with teeth.
This USCIS update aligns with Trump’s broader immigration goals, including efforts to remove unauthorized migrants who entered during the prior administration. Last week, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reported the arrest of over 359,000 unauthorized migrants and the removal of more than 332,000 others. Those numbers underscore a no-nonsense approach to enforcement.
Critics might argue this policy risks alienating communities or creating fear among legal immigrants, and their concerns deserve a fair hearing. Yet, from a conservative lens, it’s hard to ignore the necessity of clear rules in a system too often gamed by loopholes. Protecting election integrity isn’t just a slogan—it’s a duty.
As this policy takes effect, expect tighter restrictions and a noticeable uptick in deportations. Trump’s resolve to overhaul immigration enforcement, despite legal pushback, shows no signs of wavering. It’s a high-stakes game, but one his supporters see as long overdue.
So, where does this leave us? With a policy that’s as much about principle as it is about punishment, the USCIS update draws a firm line in the sand. For non-citizens, the takeaway is simple: respect the process, or risk losing your shot at the American dream.
