In a significant move to bolster the integrity of U.S. elections, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major upgrade to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. As of April 1, 2025, all state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies may access the SAVE system free of charge to confirm U.S. citizenship or immigration status for voter registration purposes.
Streamlining Access Through Social Security Integration
Historically, SAVE relied on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identification numbers to verify lawful presence in the U.S. However, many local election agencies lack access to DHS identifiers, creating a gap in verification capabilities. The recent update resolves this issue by enabling agencies to input Social Security numbers to initiate SAVE queries—expanding usability and closing information gaps.
This change comes under Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections, reflecting the administration’s stated commitment to strengthening election security mechanisms.
Bulk Case Submissions Now Possible
In addition to the Social Security integration, USCIS now allows for multiple case submissions at once, increasing efficiency for agencies with large voter rolls to verify. This automation and scalability make the SAVE system more accessible and appealing for election offices nationwide.
Enhancing Trust Through Federal-State Collaboration
USCIS has emphasized that this initiative answers years of requests from state authorities for a “single, reliable source” of immigration and citizenship verification. By working directly with the Social Security Administration, DHS, and the Department of Justice Election Division, USCIS aims to prevent voter fraud while offering streamlined tools for public benefit eligibility checks.
SAVE has long been used to confirm lawful immigration status for public benefits like driver’s licenses and professional certifications. Extending its utility to voter eligibility underscores its evolving role in federal-state governance.
No Cost for State Agencies
Importantly, USCIS has waived all user fees for government agencies using SAVE to verify voter eligibility. This makes it financially viable for smaller jurisdictions to participate and adopt standardized verification practices across the U.S.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals and Visa Holders
For foreign nationals, visa holders, and lawful permanent residents, this move highlights the importance of ensuring your immigration status is accurately recorded and up to date in government databases. If you are applying for any public benefit—or concerned about how your information is reflected in federal systems—it may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure proper compliance and visibility.
