InProgress

from the Center for American Progress

Sen. Cortez Masto joined CAP and America’s Voice to discuss the path forward on immigration

It’s undeniable: America’s immigration system has been broken for far too long. Instead of implementing sensible policies, the Trump administration is systematically pursuing a cruel and reckless agenda, gutting legal immigration pathways, and deploying indiscriminate enforcement tactics that have a total disregard for human life.

To address this urgent moment, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined CAP and America’s Voice to share her vision on commonsense immigration policies, including her newly introduced Fairness for Immigrant Families Act.

Following the senator’s keynote remarks, America’s Voice executive director Vanessa Cárdenas moderated a panel discussion with experts examining the ongoing impact of the Trump administration’s brutal immigration policies, including their corrosive effect on the economy, where public opinion is on the issue, and the need to implement policies that better serve the best interests of all Americans. 

Your right to vote shouldn’t depend on having a passport

The federal SAVE Act may be stalled in the Senate, but its core provisions are being quickly implemented through state legislatures. Fourteen states now have laws requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship—most commonly a passport or birth certificate—to register to vote or remain registered, with additional states considering similar legislation.

The problem? Millions of eligible Americans don’t have the documents these laws demand, putting their ability to vote at risk.

For many families, obtaining a passport means paying exorbitant application fees, securing certified birth records, and navigating weekslong processing times. Those costs and logistical hurdles fall hardest on lower-income Americans, rural voters, seniors, young people, and anyone who has changed their name after marriage or divorce. Even though citizenship is already required to vote, these laws would make proving it significantly more expensive and burdensome.

CAP’s analysis warns that, while Congress has yet to pass the SAVE Act, states are increasingly pursuing legislation that would put up new and unnecessary barriers to prevent eligible voters from voting. The result? Your ability to vote could depend not on whether you’re a citizen, but on whether you can afford, or already own, a passport.

The hidden national security risks in Congress’ crypto bill

Photo: Getty Images

As Congress considers the CLARITY Act, supporters say the measure would finally establish rules for the cryptocurrency industry. But a new CAP analysis warns that the legislation would instead codify dangerous loopholes that allow hostile governments, terrorist organizations, drug cartels, and other criminal networks to move money outside the reach of U.S. law enforcement.

The CLARITY Act fails to address huge national security vulnerabilities, including:

1. U.S. adversaries using cryptocurrency to finance weapons and war.
   
2. Terrorist networks using cryptocurrency to fund their operations.
   
3. Cryptocurrencies facilitating worldwide human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation.
   
4. Drug cartels using cryptocurrency to conceal fentanyl trafficking profits.