Several Republican-led states have passed SAVE Act replicas : NPR

The U.S. Senate commenced discussions on the SAVE America Act on Tuesday. This comprehensive election reform aims to implement new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration among other measures.

Championed by Republicans, the legislation is a key initiative for President Trump, who has repeatedly and falsely claimed widespread voter fraud by non-U.S. citizens. Although the bill is expected to face significant resistance from Democrats and may not pass the Senate’s legislative filibuster, Republican-led states are pursuing similar measures.

Several proof-of-citizenship bills are awaiting approval from governors in Florida, South Dakota, and Utah. These efforts reflect similar laws recently enacted in Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming, according to the Voting Rights Lab, which monitors election policies. Ohio has also introduced narrower measures.

Arizona has long maintained a bifurcated registration system that demands proof of citizenship for state and local elections. Some states have seen their laws challenged and blocked by courts.

Voting by noncitizens in state and federal elections is already illegal, with investigations showing it to be extremely rare. However, Trump and other Republicans continue to focus on the issue. Supporters of the SAVE Act and its state versions argue that documented proof of citizenship is essential for securing elections.

Critics argue that such requirements could disenfranchise millions of Americans who may not have easy access to citizenship documents such as passports or birth certificates, particularly during a crucial election year.

The SAVE America Act is designed to take immediate effect, potentially disrupting election processes. Similar bills in South Dakota and Utah are expected to be enacted before this year’s midterm elections, according to the Voting Rights Lab. However, the main components of Florida’s version are not set to be implemented until 2027.