Immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship targeted in Trump administration's illegal voting crackdown
Summary
Federal authorities in California charged more than two dozen legal permanent residents for allegedly lying during the naturalization process or illegally registering to vote. Most of those charged had applied for U.S. citizenship and face serious penalties, including prison time and possible deportation.Key Facts
- More than 25 legal permanent residents in California were charged in a crackdown on illegal voting and false statements on immigration forms.
- Most of the accused have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, with some living here for decades.
- Some were accused of registering to vote unintentionally through driver's license applications, which prompt voter registration in California.
- Illegal voting carries up to one year in prison; lying on citizenship applications can lead to up to 10 years in prison.
- The Justice Department charged 6 people with illegal voting as noncitizens and others with felony charges for lying on forms or interviews.
- One example is José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, charged with falsely claiming citizenship in 2007 but not accused of casting a ballot.
- Another example is Pamele Arbues Line, who admitted to registering and voting despite not being a citizen, thinking she was because of her mother’s naturalization.
- People convicted of lying on naturalization paperwork also face risk of deportation.
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