Two Pakistani Nationals Indicted for Illegal Voting in 2020 US Election
New Jersey: Two Pakistani nationals have been indicted in the United States for illegally voting in the 2020 federal election and for making false statements during the US citizenship application process, according to court documents.
The accused have been identified as Muhammad Muzammal (37) and Muhammad Shakeel (62). Prosecutors allege that both men were non-citizens when they registered to vote in New Jersey and falsely certified on voter registration forms that they were US citizens.
Authorities say their registrations were approved based on those declarations, after which both men cast ballots in the November 2020 general election, despite not being eligible to vote.
False Statements During Naturalization Process
Following the election, Muzammal and Shakeel applied for US citizenship through the naturalization process, which allows permanent residents to become citizens after meeting residency and legal requirements.
As part of the process, applicants must submit Form N-400, which requires them to swear under penalty of perjury that all information provided is truthful and complete.
Prosecutors allege that both men falsely stated in their applications that they had never registered to vote or voted in any federal, state, or local election. During subsequent naturalization interviews conducted under oath, investigators say the men repeated the same false claims.
Court records indicate that both individuals have lived in the United States since 2017 and held permanent legal status through family-based visas.
Defence Denies Allegations
The two men have denied wrongdoing. Their attorney, Rizwan M. Khalid, said they would contest the charges.
“Our clients maintain their innocence and are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement and the judicial system throughout the process,” Khalid said. “We strongly believe that the facts, once fully presented and examined, will demonstrate that the allegations against our clients are without merit.”
Our Thoughts
The case underscores the strict legal boundaries surrounding voting rights and citizenship in the United States, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of election integrity. As the judicial process unfolds, it will test how the system balances enforcement, due process, and the broader political sensitivities surrounding immigration and elections.
