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Trump has also claimed that a review by the DHS, state voter rolls and public records identified around 278,000 non-citizens registered to vote in federal elections.
The Trump administration has made tackling suspected electoral fraud a key priority. (Image for representation)
Indian citizen Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari has been arrested by US immigration authorities for allegedly voting in the 2024 US general election illegally after falsely claiming to be an American citizen.
Chaudhari faces two charges: providing false information when voting and falsely claiming US citizenship to register as a voter. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison on each count, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Trump administration has made tackling suspected electoral fraud a key priority. President Donald Trump and his allies have repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden.
Trump has also claimed that a review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), state voter rolls and public records identified around 278,000 non-citizens registered to vote in federal elections. The White House has urged Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to provide proof of citizenship and photo identification in federal elections.
However, these efforts have largely stalled amid concerns from legal experts that stricter documentation requirements could disenfranchise thousands of eligible Americans, particularly members of minority communities.
How Did The Indian Citizen Vote?
According to the DOJ, Chaudhari signed a voter signature certificate in Minnesota on November 5, 2024. By signing the document, he was required to swear or affirm that he was a US citizen.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Chaudhari on September 10, allowing the federal criminal case against him to proceed.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued a strong warning against non-citizens who allegedly vote in American elections.
“Our message to aliens who vote in American elections is clear: we will find you, arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation. Under President Trump’s leadership, this administration will never allow the votes of American citizens to be cancelled out by non-citizens illegally voting in our elections. Only American citizens should be electing American leaders,” Mullin said.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also stressed the importance of protecting electoral integrity.
“The right to vote is a sacred privilege of American citizenship, and every lawful voter deserves an election system in which that right is protected. The Department will hold accountable those who knowingly make false claims of citizenship to vote. The integrity of our elections depends on ensuring that only eligible citizens cast ballots and that every lawful vote is counted,” Dhillon said.
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Ask News18Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, an Indian national, was arrested by US immigration authorities for allegedly voting illegally in the 2024 US general election after falsely claiming to be an American citizen.
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Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
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