A Warning To Green Card Holders About Voting

[pushbrk 13,019]

(From my blog)

A Warning To Green Card Holders About Voting

Do not register to vote in any election until you have officially been granted US Citizenship.

Going into this election season, it is very important to understand that for a Green Card holder, (Lawful Permanent Resident) to register to vote is not only improper, but can have severe consequences in the future.

Even though there are States that have instituted policies that do not require evidence of US Citizenship when registering to vote, the voter registration documents do ask whether the person registering is a US Citizen. Many have simply checked the box and gone ahead and registered, knowing that even if the State Law requires showing government issued identification, their driver license will suffice.

While this is not legal advice, the publicly searchable “9 FAM” (Foreign Affairs Manual) is quite clear regarding the potential consequences of falsely claiming US Citizenship. There is no more serious a misrepresentation, based on the consequences, dealt with in 9 FAM. The potential consequence of registering to vote or for any other federal or state benefit afforded only to US Citizens includes Deportation and a LIFETIME BAN from entering the USA.

If any reader who is not a US Citizen, has registered to vote in any official State of Federal election, I advise them to seek competent legal advice as soon as possible, to discuss minimizing or eliminating the risk of any future deportation and ban.

The law is, what the law is. Regardless of whether this particular or any other immigrant related law is being consistently enforced today, that can change at any time.

False claims to US Citizenship are taken very seriously by Customs and Border Patrol Officers. Some years ago, I was traveling with my step daughter, when we encountered a border check station on Interstate 10 in West Texas. My step daughter was quite proud of passing her citizenship test just the day before, and proudly answered yes, when a CBP Officer asked if she was a US Citizen. I quickly corrected her, so the officer would hear me, saying, “You WILL BE a US Citizen after your swearing in ceremony, but you’re aren’t a citizen yet.” Fortunately, the officer was understanding and we were soon on our way without incident.

Many have registered to vote, somewhat “innocently” because of the misrepresentations or ignorance of well meaning officers at the DMV (Driver License Offices) or even a campaign worker.

* * DO NOT REGISTER TO VOTE IN ANY ELECTION UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY GRANTED US CITIZENSHIP * *

[TBoneTX 45,727]

If any three words applied universally on this website, it is these: Listen to pushbrk.

[Dashinka 24,663]

Should be a pinned thread so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

Pinning, at least until after November.

[Dashinka 24,663]

Pinning, at least until after November.

Agreed

[pushbrk 13,019]

You might consider pinning it to a more visited forum as well. I know this is the most appropriate forum but those just completing adjustment of status, or even just completing immigrant visas, need to know this.

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

We can't pin it in more than one place, but I would be wiling to move it if you think another forum suits better; I do think this one is best though.

You could also put a link to this post in your signature, so people see it in other forums when you post.

[pushbrk 13,019]

Done. Good Idea.

A key point that shouldn't be missed, is that the act of registering to vote is enough to cause a problem with becoming a citizen, whether you vote or not. To register, you must represent yourself to be a US Citizen. The N400 asks if you've ever registered to vote.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

I actually know someone that not only registered but voted and still for their citizenship. It was brought up at their first interview and slowed up the process.

[pushbrk 13,019]

I would suspect that the manner in which this issue is dealt with, changes according to the policies dictated by the executive branch. As such, they are subject to political changes.

[TBoneTX 45,727]

A specific query has been split from this pinned thread, moved to the Military Discussion forum, and given the topic title "In Which State Would I Vote? [split topic]."

[Iwo_Jima 119]

On 8/24/2016 at 6:01 AM, NigeriaorBust said:

I actually know someone that not only registered but voted and still for their citizenship. It was brought up at their first interview and slowed up the process.

Was the person granted US citizenship? 

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

  Yes  they delayed the decision but gave him citizenship eventually

[bukawbukaw 2]

Just wanted to ask why anyone would tell you not to vote? Isn't that part of being American?

[TBoneTX 45,727]

Please carefully read and accurately comprehend the opening post.