During a recent government meeting, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's efforts to address the presence of noncitizens on voter rolls were a focal point of discussion. On October 1st, Paxton communicated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), urging them to assist Texas in adhering to both federal and state election laws that prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting.
In his correspondence, Paxton provided USCIS with a list of individuals whose citizenship status remains unconfirmed, requesting verification of their immigration status. He referenced 8 U.S. Code 1373, which outlines the communication protocols between government entities and immigration services. This statute allows local and state officials to inquire about the citizenship status of individuals, with USCIS mandated to respond to such inquiries.
The implications of this discussion are significant, as it underscores the county's authority to verify the immigration status of voters. Officials were reminded of their constitutional duty to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in elections. The meeting concluded with a call for action, emphasizing the necessity for local authorities to utilize their legal rights to maintain the integrity of the voter rolls.