News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.
State and local governments now have more capabilities in USCIS’ SAVE program
WASHINGTON –U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to ensure a single, reliable source for verifying immigration status and U.S. citizenship nationwide. State and local authorities can input Social Security numbers to help verify U.S. citizenship and prevent aliens from voting in American elections.
“For years, states have pleaded for tools to help identify and stop aliens from hijacking our elections,” said USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, USCIS is moving quickly to eliminate voter fraud. We expect further improvements soon and remain committed to restoring trust in American elections.”
This new partnership with the Social Security Administration allows cases to verify citizenship or immigration status to be created using Social Security numbers rather than a DHS identifying number, which most state and local agencies do not collect. Also, for the first time, agencies can submit more than one case at a time, making the process more efficient.
This advancement comes shortly after the DHS, USCIS, and DOGE SAVE optimization announcement and builds on efforts to remove roadblocks to securing the country’s election process by working to eliminate voter fraud.
SAVE, a critical tool for verifying lawful U.S. citizenship and immigration status operated by USCIS, provides federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local agencies with U.S. citizenship and immigration status information to help ensure the eligibility of individuals applying for certain public benefits and licenses, including voter eligibility verification.
All state and local governments are encouraged to register to use SAVE for lawful voter eligibility verification. Effective April 1, 2025, USCIS eliminated all charges for state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies to use the service. States interested in participating in the SAVE program can learn more and register.
