DHS Targets Voter Fraud with New Initiatives Following Colombian National’s Arrest
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a renewed effort to combat voter fraud, spotlighting the case of Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, a Colombian national accused of voting illegally in the 2024 Massachusetts presidential election. Orovio-Hernandez, 59, allegedly exploited a stolen identity to register as a voter and cast a fraudulent ballot. She faces serious charges, including aggravated identity theft and fraudulent voting, after living over 20 years in Massachusetts using the stolen identity.
Federal authorities claim Orovio-Hernandez improperly received more than $400,000 in federal benefits, including over $259,000 in Section 8 housing assistance and significant amounts in Social Security and SNAP benefits. Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated that her actions undermine programs meant to assist vulnerable individuals and tarnish the integrity of U.S. elections.
In response to such incidents, DHS has revamped its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. This enhancement allows local and state authorities to verify citizenship status more efficiently using Social Security numbers, an initiative aimed at preventing fraudulent access to taxpayer-funded benefits and ensuring that only eligible individuals can vote.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser emphasized the necessity of these tools to protect election integrity, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to curbing voter fraud under the current administration. The updates to SAVE are part of an ongoing effort to bolster public trust in electoral processes and address concerns raised by state officials.
Orovio-Hernandez, who is currently in federal custody, will face charges that reflect the serious implications of her alleged fraudulent activities, highlighting the government’s stance against identity theft and illegal voting practices.
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