A new executive order could change how naturalized citizens vote. The policy’s facing legal challenges and might not take effect before the 2026 midterm elections. However, the change might cause confusion for naturalized citizens.
Executive Order Details
The new executive order mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) create a federal list of all confirmed U.S. citizens over the age of eighteen. State authorities receive the list ahead of federal elections for verification purposes. Additionally, the order mandates the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) track all mail-in and absentee ballots during federal elections.
Importance for Naturalized Citizens
Firstly, federal databases aren’t always accurate. Secondly, database errors impact naturalized citizens disproportionately. They’re especially at risk if they:
- Naturalized recently.
- Change their name.
- Have records spread across multiple government agencies.
Naturalized citizens whose status isn’t reflected in federal systems face being let off the verification lists.
Action Steps
Naturalized citizens should:
- Check their Social Security records and update their citizenship status with SSA.
- Confirm their voter registration via their state’s election website.
- Review their state’s mail-in voting rules.
- Keep their certificate of naturalization or U.S. passport secure.
Despite all the changes, naturalized citizens have the same voting rights as any native-born citizens.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.