The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The bill, passed with a 221-198 vote, also mandates states to check their voter rolls for noncitizens.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) aims to prevent noncitizens from voting, despite existing laws already prohibiting it. Introduced by Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, the act would primarily require a passport for voter registration, a document only about 48% of U.S. citizens possess.

Critics, including the Biden administration, argue that noncitizen voting is rare and that the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters. House Republicans support the bill, citing the need to restore faith in the election system, while Democrats contend it promotes fear and voter suppression.

The measure is expected to face challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate.