Illegal Immigrant Fears He May Be Prevented From Voting In Upcoming Midterms
- Chadwick Dolgos
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
An illegal immigrant living in California has voiced deep concern that expanded citizenship verification measures could stop him from casting a ballot in the upcoming midterm elections.
The man, who crossed the southern border during the Biden administration and now works in construction, said he has come to view voting as a key part of his life in the United States.
Recent proposals requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, along with increased cross-checks against federal immigration databases, have left him worried that his participation will be ruled out entirely.
"I have built a life here and raised my children in American schools," said the immigrant, who spoke on condition that he be identified only as Miguel.
"Voting is how I show I care about this country and the policies that affect my family every day. If these new rules take that away, it feels like they are erasing people like me."
Federal law has long barred noncitizens from voting in elections for Congress and the presidency, carrying penalties that include fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
State and local election offices have relied on self-attestation of citizenship in many places, which has occasionally allowed ineligible individuals onto voter rolls. Recent reviews using federal tools have identified small numbers of such cases, often the result of administrative errors rather than intentional fraud, and those individuals have been referred for removal.
Miguel said he followed the political debates closely and felt a personal stake in issues such as wages, healthcare, and education funding.
"I listen to the candidates, I read about the bills, and I want my perspective represented," he said. "For years, I've been voting, no problem. Now they want to take away my rights."
Some states have already begun matching voter registrations against immigration records, and legislation advancing in Congress would mandate stricter proof of citizenship nationwide.
Miguel said he understands the stated goal of protecting the integrity of elections, but believes the changes will disproportionately affect long-term residents who contribute to the economy without formal legal status.
He added that many in his community share the same apprehension.
"We are not here to cause trouble," Miguel said. "We just want the same chance everyone else has to be heard when it matters most."
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