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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday a complete restructuring of the SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) system, a federal database used to verify the immigration status of foreigners in U.S. territory.
The measure aims to speed up deportations, prevent fraud in public benefits, and avoid illegal voting by non-citizens, highlighted the media Fox News, citing information obtained exclusively.
The DHS detailed that the renewal of the program will include the removal of fees for database searches, simplification for performing bulk inquiries on immigration status, integration with criminal background checks, and a new, more user-friendly interface for government users.
"Illegal immigrants have exploited outdated systems to defraud the American people and taint our elections," said a spokesperson for the entity.
"This new SAVE will ensure that officials can quickly verify status and curb fraud in benefits and voting," he said, amid the opposition to these measures from pro-immigrant groups and human rights activists who oppose the persecution of undocumented individuals.
Created in 1987, the SAVE system allows government agencies and security bodies to enter biographical data or documents such as the I-94 form number, SEVIS number, or alien number (A-number) to check an individual's immigration status.
The original objective was to verify the eligibility of foreigners to receive public benefits or exercise rights restricted to U.S. citizens.
The announcement comes amidst intense tensions between the Trump administration and the judicial system regarding immigration policy. Recently, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the outdated Alien Enemies Act of 1798, although it did not completely overturn the order.
The DHS will work together with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that the new SAVE system becomes operational in the short term and meets standards of efficiency, interoperability, and security, the source mentions.
Civil rights organizations have expressed concern regarding possible violations of due process and the intensive use of personal data without judicial oversight.
Although the administration has not specified how it will protect the privacy of immigrants, advocates warn that this modernization could facilitate wrongful arrests, expedited deportations without appeal, and increased surveillance of vulnerable communities.
Frequently asked questions about the modernization of the SAVE system and U.S. immigration policy.
What is the SAVE system and why is it being modernized?
The SAVE system (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) is a federal database used to verify the immigration status of foreigners in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is modernizing it to expedite deportations, prevent fraud in public benefits, and avoid illegal voting by non-citizens. This upgrade includes eliminating fees for searches, simplifying bulk inquiries, and introducing a more user-friendly interface. The measure has drawn criticism from human rights activists, who fear an excessive use of personal data and potential violations of due process.
How will the modernization of the SAVE system affect immigrants in the U.S.?
The modernization of the SAVE system could expedite deportations and increase surveillance of immigrants. Although the DHS has not specified measures to protect immigrants' privacy, there are concerns about potential wrongful detentions and swift deportations without appeal. Additionally, the integration with criminal backgrounds could facilitate the use of personal data without proper judicial oversight, which worries civil rights organizations. There may also be an increase in surveillance of vulnerable communities.
What is the relationship between the modernization of the SAVE system and other measures of the Trump administration?
The modernization of the SAVE system is part of a set of stricter immigration policies driven by the Trump administration. These include restrictions on the humanitarian parole program and a potential agreement between the IRS and the DHS to share information on taxpayers suspected of being in the country illegally. Additionally, there has been increased purging of records in the Social Security system to combat fraud, reflecting a more aggressive approach to immigration management and public spending control.
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