A federal jury convicted Khalwinder Singh Bhengura, an Indian national and lawful permanent resident, of voting by an alien in a federal election and making a false claim of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. The case was tried in Texas.
According to evidence presented at trial, Bhengura became a lawful permanent resident in June 2022 and applied for a Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2024. On that application, he checked boxes stating he was a U.S. citizen and wanted to register to vote. He was registered in Tarrant County, although the form appears to have first been routed to Dallas County. Evidence showed he voted in person in Arlington on November 5, 2024, showing a photo ID.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said, "Voting in our national elections is reserved for U.S. citizens." He added that the office "will hold accountable anyone who undermines our elections."
Bhengura faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for making false statements of citizenship. He also faces up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for voting by an alien. He could be subject to deportation after serving his sentence. The report also said other foreign nationals were recently charged with federal voting violations in Texas.