DHS Identifies Potential Noncitizen Voter Registrations in Multiple States
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has notified election officials in California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania about a preliminary review that identifies over 256,000 noncitizens potentially registered to vote. This information is based on letters acquired by Fox News Digital.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin communicated in four letters dated Friday that the department compared available voter registration data with federal immigration records. This analysis revealed thousands of possible matches. Secretary Mullin requested the state election officials to collaborate with the Department to confirm these identities before any actions are undertaken.
According to these letters, DHS estimates that California may have about 190,832 non-citizens registered, New Jersey 35,152, Nevada 15,903, and Pennsylvania 14,576. In California, DHS found 81,336 registrants; in New Jersey, 19,497; in Nevada, 8,576; and in Pennsylvania, 8,594 who shared details such as names, birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers with noncitizens from DHS’s records.
Many non-citizens have legally obtained Social Security numbers. This group includes lawful permanent residents, work-authorized individuals, and certain visa holders. DHS utilized these numbers among other identifiers for record matching with federal immigration data.
The findings are part of a preliminary review. Mullin emphasized the need for collaboration to verify identities accurately. DHS expressed readiness to supply immigration records according to federal regulations, aiding states in verifying voter list eligibility.
Ensuring that only U.S. citizens can cast votes in federal elections is crucial for protecting electoral integrity, Mullin noted. He stated that a single non-citizen vote negates the vote of a U.S. citizen. Voter registration lists are managed by states, while the federal government holds the necessary immigration data.
The letters ask for secretarial contact by July 24, initiating records sharing and helping verify processes before upcoming federal elections. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, New Jersey Secretary of State Dale Caldwell, and Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar did not provide immediate comments to Fox News Digital.
This development follows the push by the Trump administration for enhanced cooperation between states and federal agencies on securing elections and verifying voter eligibility. They argue that federal immigration data access assists states in maintaining accurate and current voter records.