From REAL ID to passport: Full list of acceptable US citizenship proof documents
The SAVE Act was passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday. Which documents are accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship?
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday with a vote of 220-208. Four House Democrats—Jared Golden, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Henry Cuellar, and Ed Case—joined Republicans in supporting the legislation.
The bill requires individuals registering to vote or updating their voter registration to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. It also requires states to develop programs to remove undocumented immigrants from voter rolls, NBC News reported. Additionally, the bill permits U.S. citizens to sue election officials who do not enforce citizenship verification requirements.
At a House Republican briefing, Rep. Chip Roy said, “We’re here for the simple proposition supported by the vast majority of the American people that only citizens of the United States should vote, that we should have documentary proof, that we should have a system to guarantee that only citizens of the United States should vote in federal elections, where we have the clear authority under the Constitution of the United States and our laws as Congress to set the terms of those elections.”
The bill now moves to the Senate. Its outcome is uncertain because Republicans don't have the sufficient majority to overcome a potential filibuster, AP reported.
Also Read: Will SAVE Act pass the Senate? Over 21 million Americans' voting rights at stake
Which documents are accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship?
— A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license that “indicates the applicant is a citizen.”
— A valid U.S. passport.
— A military ID card with a military record of service that lists the applicant’s birthplace as in the U.S.
— A valid government-issued photo ID that shows the applicant’s birthplace was in the U.S.
— A valid government-issued photo ID accompanied by a document, such as a certified birth certificate, confirming a U.S. birthplace.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
