Migrant with green card arrested for voting in U.S. federal election in New Jersey

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a migrant in New Jersey who allegedly voted in the 2022 federal elections despite holding legal permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card.

The 62-year-old Slovakian national, Marian Charitun, is accused of illegally casting a ballot in the midterm elections and subsequently lying on his application for U.S. citizenship. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Charitun registered to vote in 2018 and falsely claimed to be a naturalized citizen, which is a requirement for federal voting.

After casting his vote, Charitun applied for naturalization. During this process, which requires swearing under penalty of perjury that all information provided is truthful, he allegedly stated that he had never registered to vote or participated in any federal election.

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He voted illegally in U.S. elections and then lied about it when he tried to apply for citizenship.

"He voted illegally in U.S. elections and then lied about it when he tried to apply for citizenship," stated Acting Deputy Secretary Lauren Bis. "Our message to aliens who vote in U.S. elections is clear: we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation."

Charitun faces federal charges for illegal voting and making false statements during his citizenship application. Conviction could lead to up to one year in prison for illegal voting and a maximum of 10 years for unlawfully obtaining citizenship.

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Our message to aliens who vote in U.S. elections is clear: we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation.