NaFFAA Statement on the Potential Community Impacts of the SAVE America Act

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is closely reviewing the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act) and the potential impact it may have on the communities we serve. As civic engagement is one of NaFFAA’s four core pillars, we are committed to ensuring that Filipino American communities clearly understand voting requirements so participation and confidence in our democratic process can grow together. 

NaFFAA has therefore created the following educational analysis of the SAVE America Act. This overview focuses specifically on potential administrative changes and the practical barriers voters may encounter if the Act were enacted. This statement does not take a position for or against the legislation. Instead, it outlines procedural implications and possible obstacles affecting voter registration and participation. Supporters of the bill emphasize the goal of strengthening election integrity, which is a principle NaFFAA and our communities share.

Current Legal Framework and Data Context

Under existing federal and state law, U.S. citizenship is already required to vote in federal elections.

According to 2025 records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 0.04% of voter verification cases were flagged as potential noncitizens. At the same time, public data indicate that approximately 52% of Americans do not possess a valid passport, with ownership rates falling below 30% in some rural communities.

These data points provide context when evaluating how additional documentary requirements could affect both access to the ballot and compliance with voter eligibility policies.

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Documentary Proof of Citizenship: Potential Barriers

If enacted, the SAVE America Act would require additional documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.

For many voters, obtaining qualifying documentation may involve:

• A passport fee of approximately $165 or more
• Travel to an authorized passport application facility, which may include time away from work, caregiving, or school
• Processing periods that may last several weeks

For individuals who have changed their names due to marriage, divorce, or adoption, additional supporting records may be required to reconcile documentation. This can present further complications, particularly for naturalized citizens whose original documents were issued abroad.

While these requirements may appear straightforward in statute, in practice they may introduce cost, time, transportation, and administrative barriers that vary widely across communities.

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Case Study: Documentation Confusion at the Polling Place Affecting a Filipino American U.S. Citizen

Election administration relies heavily on consistent interpretation and training at the local level, which is where voting happens.

In 2019, Joshua Ang Price – now National Executive Director of NaFFAA and formerly an Election Commissioner in Arkansas – observed a situation involving his own mother during a local election. Although her name appeared correctly in the poll book and she presented the valid state-required photo identification, a poll worker requested that she produce a U.S. passport to prove she was a “real American citizen.” State law did not require a passport in that circumstance.

After clarification of the applicable requirements, she was able to cast her ballot thanks to his direct intervention and support.

This case study illustrates how misunderstandings about documentation standards can create uncertainty at the point of voting. As documentation requirements become more complex, the risk of inconsistent interpretation may increase. For voters who may not be familiar with election laws and/or who may not be native English speakers, confusion alone may deter participation.

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Mail-In Voting and Registration: Procedural Obstacles

Based on current bill language, the SAVE America Act would also introduce changes to voter registration and mail-in voting processes. These include:

• Mail-in ballots would no longer be automatically sent to all registered voters.
• Mail-in ballot applications would be required for each individual election.
• Government-issued identification would be required both to request and to return a ballot.
• A scanned copy of identification would need to be submitted — requiring access to scanning equipment, internet service, or compatible technology.
• Individuals registering by mail would be required to present documentary proof of citizenship in person before registration becomes effective.

While intended to enhance verification procedures, these steps may also introduce logistical barriers for:

• Voters without home internet or scanning capability
• Individuals without reliable transportation
• Rural residents
• Seniors
• Low-income households
• Individuals with disabilities
• First-time or newly naturalized voters

Each additional step in a process can increase the likelihood of delay, incomplete applications, or voter withdrawal due to complexity.

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Administrative Implementation and System Capacity

Implementation of new federal documentation standards would require adjustments to:

• State voter registration systems
• Verification databases
• Poll worker training programs
• Voter education materials
• Mail ballot processing systems

If changes occur close to a major federal election cycle, election officials may face compressed timelines for system updates, public communication, and staff training. Historically, election system transitions require substantial coordination to ensure clarity and uniform application across jurisdictions.

Inconsistent implementation across states or counties could further complicate voter understanding.

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Overall Participation Impact

From an administrative perspective, the primary variables influencing voter participation under new requirements would likely include:

• Cost barriers
• Documentation availability
• Name discrepancies
• Technology access
• Processing timelines
• Training consistency
• Public education effectiveness

 When evaluating election policy changes, it is often useful to examine not only legal standards, but also the cumulative procedural steps required of individual voters.

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Civic Education and Community Preparedness

Civic engagement remains one of NaFFAA’s core pillars. In that capacity, NaFFAA’s role is educational: to help communities understand current and proposed requirements so individuals can make informed decisions and navigate the system effectively. These assessments are intended to aid voter education, not to influence policy outcomes.

Guided by the Filipino value of bayanihan (civic unity), NaFFAA emphasizes that both election integrity and accessibility should advance together hand-in-hand. Clear procedures, transparent communication, and consistent implementation are key factors in maintaining public confidence in U.S. election processes.

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Call to Action & Next Steps

NaFFAA will continue monitoring legislative developments and providing educational resources to support informed civic participation. We will provide NaFFAA members with informational talking points and are planning a national Zoom town hall with our Regional Presidents to help answer questions and ensure our communities are informed and prepared.

In the meantime, we encourage our members and partners to:

• Review the proposed legislation carefully.
• Seek information from trusted sources.
• Share your perspective respectfully with your elected representatives.
• Contact your U.S. Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm?Class=1
• Engage in constructive dialogue within your local communities.

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For inquiries, contact:
Mark Eyo, Communications Lead
mark.eyo@naffaa.org