US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning illegal immigrants and persons without US citizenship from participating in elections. The purpose of this decision is to prevent foreign citizens from interfering in the election process. About this informs Reuters.
According to the decree, voters must provide proof of their American citizenship. In addition, the document obliges the election assistance commission to require documentary proof of citizenship during mail-in voter registration. This requires a US passport, military ID, state or federal ID, or other official document proving citizenship. States that do not comply could lose federal funding.
Such measures were a continuation of Donald Trump’s long-term statements of distrust in the US electoral system. He and his Republican allies have repeatedly called for mass voting by stateless persons.
The White House noted that the decree is aimed at preventing foreign interference in elections. At the same time, human rights organizations criticized the initiative, stressing that such regulations could disenfranchise many voters, including representatives of racial minorities who do not have the necessary documents.
“We have to deal with our elections. This country is so sick of elections, fake elections and bad elections that we’re going to fix it one way or another.” – said Trump during the signing of the decree in the White House.
Under current US law, the Secretary of State has the authority to revoke passports if they were obtained illegally, fraudulently, or in error. The decree also provides that for the first time voters will be asked questions about citizenship on federal ballots.
