Study Finds More Than 21 Million Americans Lack Ready Access to Proof of Citizenship

Study Finds More Than 21 Million Americans Lack Ready Access to Proof of Citizenship

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement (CDCE) found that more than 21 million American citizens do not have ready access to documents that prove their citizenship. The research examined how easily eligible voters could obtain documents such as birth certificates, U.S. passports, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship. (CDCE)

According to the study, approximately 9% of voting-age U.S. citizens, or about 21.3 million people, would be unable to quickly locate and provide proof of citizenship if asked to do so. Researchers also found that nearly 4 million citizens lack access to any of the commonly accepted citizenship documents. (Brennan Center for Justice)

The University of Maryland researchers conducted surveys in partnership with the Brennan Center for Justice and other organizations. The study was designed to assess the potential impact of proposals that would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. Researchers reported that barriers to accessing these documents affect citizens across demographic groups, with some racial and ethnic minorities, young adults, and lower-income Americans facing greater challenges. (CDCE)

The findings have become part of the national debate over election laws and voter registration requirements. Researchers argue that while most Americans possess citizenship documents, millions do not have them readily available when needed, which could create obstacles for eligible voters if documentation requirements are expanded. (Brennan Center for Justice)

The study, titled Who Lacks Documentary Proof of Citizenship in America?, was released by the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement and draws on national and state-level survey data collected in 2023 and 2024. (CDCE)

Other highlights include:

• About 7% of Texans and 10% of Georgians who are U.S. citizens and of voting age would have difficulty
  showing documentation proving their citizenship.
• Democrats are more likely to have documentary proof of citizenship than Republicans and
  Independents.
• In Texas, twice as many Republicans do not have accessible DPOC as Democrats
• Black and white voters have nearly identical rates of DPOC access (10% in Georgia and 5% in Texas), but
  Hispanic voters are less likely to have accessible DPOC
• Younger voters are disproportionately affected. Young Texans aged 18-29 are three times more likely to have
  trouble accessing their DPOC than older Texans (13% versus 5%).