Republicans Vow to Take Action as NYC Gives Noncitizens the Ability to Vote
Democratic politicians in New York have passed legislation that even some on the left say goes too far.
On Thursday, the City Council approved a measure to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections.
While state and federal elections are excluded, it does permit more than 800,000 legal noncitizens to influence the local government of the most populous city in the United States.
“The legislation was approved over the objections of Mayor Bill de Blasio, who questioned whether the City Council has the power to grant voting rights to noncitizens,” The New York Times reported, adding that the bill is expected to face a legal challenge.
De Blasio, however, said he will not veto the bill.
Why would noncitizens be provided the opportunity to vote?
Not everyone living legally in the U.S. is a citizen, so it might seem justified to allow residents to have a say in policies that affect the communities in which they live.
The problem comes in that these are not people who have earned the right.
The council’s approval involves green card holders and those with work authorizations — both of which can be obtained in a matter of weeks. The process to become a U.S. citizen can take years.
Acquiring a green card can be done in just four steps compared with the 10-plus for naturalization.
Democratic Councilman Mark Gjonaj opposed the bill, saying its 30-day residency requirement should be extended to a year, the Times reported.
He said people with 30 days of residency are “transient,” not a “permanent resident” or a “contributor.”
If short-time legal noncitizens are now allowed to vote, where will the line be drawn?
As is customary with the left, harmful policies like these will not stop there.
It is likely a step on the slippery slope toward enabling illegal immigrants to vote in municipal elections and then state and federal elections. This makes sense in light of the number of illegals pouring over the border during the Biden administration.
The attempt is not going unchallenged, though.
“We are now on a slippery slope toward illegal immigrants voting and foreign interference in our elections,” New York state Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy said in a statement Thursday.
“We will fight, using every legal means necessary, to prevent this legislation from becoming law,” he said.
Statement from NYGOP Chairman @NickLangworthy on New York City Democrats’ Vote to Give Non-citizens Voting Rights⬇️
“We will fight, using every legal means necessary, to prevent this legislation from becoming law. Stay tuned for further announcements about our legal action.” pic.twitter.com/N2wChAayce
— New York GOP (@NewYorkGOP) December 9, 2021
If this type of legislation is allowed to progress, the voting power of Americans will continue to be diminished.
To preserve our republic and the voice of its people, voting in U.S. elections needs to remain the exclusive right of U.S. citizens.
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