Houston
Texas silently begins massive voter-purge through controversial suppressive program
Program asks people on voter rolls to prove citizenship, sparking concern that eligible voters could be wrongfully targeted, Guardian Reports
Texas officials have quietly restarted a controversial program to ask people on the voter rolls to prove their citizenship, sparking alarm that thousands of eligible voters could be wrongfully targeted.
The Texas secretary of state’s office has identified just under 12,000 people it suspects of being non-citizens since September, when the program restarted (there are more than 17 million registered voters in Texas). About 2,327 voter registrations have been cancelled so far. The vast majority of cancellations were because voters failed to respond to a notice giving them 30 days to prove their citizenship.
The secretary of state flags anyone as a suspected non-citizen if they register to vote and then subsequently visit the Texas department of public safety (DPS), the state’s driver’s license agency, and indicate they are not a citizen.
Local election officials in Texas’ 254 counties are then asked to review the names. If those officials cannot verify citizenship, they are required to send them a letter asking them to prove their citizenship within 30 days or else their voter registration gets cancelled.
After the county mailed proof of citizenship requests to 2,796 people, 167 voters – nearly 6% of those contacted – responded with proof of citizenship. The state removed an additional 161 people from the list of people whose citizenship needed to be verified, according to a county official.
“We are not confident in the quality of the information we are being mandated to act upon,” Isabel Longoria, the county’s election administrator, said in an email.
In Fort Bend county, just outside of Houston, officials mailed notices to 515 people in October. About 20% responded with proof of citizenship and the rest were removed from the rolls, according to John Oldham, the county’s election administrator. Many of the people who responded said they had accidentally checked a box during their DPS transaction indicating they were not citizens, Oldham said.
In Cameron county, along the US-Mexico border, election officials have sent out 246 letter since September, almost all to people with Hispanic surnames, according to the Texas Monthly, which first reported the program restarted. About 60 people have been cancelled so far.
After the notices went out, a married couple who had heard about the notices came into the elections office to provide their naturalization papers, even though the couple’s citizenship wasn’t challenged, said Remi Garza, the county elections administrator.
“It saddened me too,” Garza said. “People who shouldn’t have to be concerned about this type of proving citizenship felt that they had to do that.”
Voting rights groups say they are trying to better understand the process the state is using, but are concerned eligible voters are getting targeted.
“A US citizen voter who gets a challenge letter is understandably intimidated. And especially for naturalized US citizens, who went through an entire bureaucratic process to be able to vote, getting a letter that accuses them of being an ineligible voter is particularly intimidating,” said Nina Perales, an attorney with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “People will naturally assume, based on this official correspondence, that they might have made some kind of mistake, or that they are not proper voters.”
The program had been on hold since 2019, when a federal judge ordered Texas to stop a similar, error-filled, effort that he described as “ham-handed”. As part of a settlement in that case, Texas agreed to only flag people if they registered to vote prior to the DPS visit in which they indicated they weren’t a citizen. It also agreed to reinstate and challenge voters who provided proof of citizenship, even if it was outside the 30-day window.
The citizenship check comes as Republicans have moved to blunt the rapidly growing political power of Texas’ non-white population. Texas prosecutors have sought criminal punishments for people, including non-citizens, who make voting mistakes and the attorney general, Ken Paxton, has zealously pursued claims of voter fraud, which is exceedingly rare in Texas and elsewhere.
Bruce Elfant, whose office oversees voter registration in Travis county, said his office so far has internally been able to confirm that less than 100 of the 300 to 400 people flagged by the secretary of state’s office were citizens. Most in the group had been flagged because of clerical errors, he said. His office has not yet sent out any challenge notices and is waiting for more information before it does so.
In El Paso county, state officials referred 4,000 suspected non-citizens for review, and around 300 had already offered proof of citizenship, said Lisa Wise, the county’s election administrator. The county isn’t currently cancelling the registration of any voter who doesn’t respond, she said.
Federal law prohibits officials from conducting mass voter cancellations within 90 days of a primary election. Texas’ primary is on 1 March, so the state can’t remove anyone who doesn’t respond to a proof of citizenship letter until later this spring.
Thomas Buser-Clancy, a senior staff attorney with the Texas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said his organization was trying to understand why eligible voters were being flagged, but it was clear “something is not going right”.
“Even if your system flags one eligible voter and threatens to remove them, that’s a problem,” he said. “If you have hundreds, and if you add it up across counties, you’re probably getting to thousands of eligible voters, being threatened with removal.”
Sam Taylor, a spokesman for the Texas secretary of state’s office said he was confident in the data.
“We’re following the settlement agreement exactly as we’re supposed to. If the counties have additional information where they’re able to cross people off the list who have in fact become citizens and they’re lawfully registered to vote, that’s great. That’s how the process is supposed to work.”
But Buser-Clancy noted that those who were able to affirm their citizenship likely only represented a fraction of the eligible voters who were probably affected.
“Those people are the lucky ones that both received the notice, like actually went through their mail, looked it up, and had the documentation on hand to send in,” he added. “What that tells you is that there’s some other percentage of people who are going to be removed from the rolls even though they’re eligible voters.”
Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.
Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.
Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI
Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.
Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”
Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.
“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”
Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.
Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume
“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”
Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.
“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”
One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.
Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.
“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”
For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.
And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.
Branch considers annual induction as August celebration of prestige, culture and comradeship inspires growing community interest
HOUSTON, TEXAS — Membership requests to the Sugar Land Branch of People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) have risen significantly following its successful August induction ceremony, prompting the organization to consider making the event an annual affair.
Group Chairman, Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, confirmed the surge in interest, saying the branch has received numerous inquiries from prospective members since the ceremony that formally admitted 16 new members to the organization.
“The response since the induction has been remarkable. We have seen a significant increase in people asking about membership and how they can become part of the People’s Club family,” Ulasi said. “Many of them attended the event or heard about it afterward and were impressed by the fellowship, dignity, cultural pride, and genuine comradeship they witnessed.”
Ulasi said the development, including a possible change from the current bi-annual induction arrangement to an annual ceremony, would be discussed at the branch’s September general meeting.
The renewed interest in membership comes on the heels of an elaborate induction that attracted national officers, patrons, branch chairmen, members, and guests from across the People’s Club family.
National President, Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke, who presided over the swearing-in of the 16 inductees, described the event as a total success and commended the Sugar Land Branch, PCNI’s First International Branch, for what he called an exceptional celebration of fellowship, culture, service, and unity.
During the formal ceremony, each inductee was invited to the podium to take the membership oath and receive a certificate from the national president, who was assisted by PCNI Attorney Chukwuka John Ukadike.
Beyond the admission of new members, however, the event offered guests a public display of the traditions that have historically defined the People’s Club: prestige, love, service, and comradeship. Those characteristics were reflected throughout the ceremony, from the reception of national officers and interaction among members to the formal induction, cultural presentation, and extended social celebration that followed.
Grand Patron, Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said the growing interest in membership was an indication that the organization’s values resonated with guests who experienced the event.
“What people witnessed was the character of People’s Club—the love among members, respect for one another, willingness to serve, and the comradeship that brings us together,” Mbachu said. “Prestige is not simply about appearance; it is about how we conduct ourselves and how we treat people. When the community sees those values demonstrated, it is understandable that others would want to become part of the organization.”
The cultural presentation was among the most visible features of the evening. Women members and associates appeared in coordinated traditional attire featuring red-pinkish blouses with matching head ties and white wrappers bearing the PCNI logo. The men wore all-white outfits complemented by customized PCNI cap pins and distinctive PCNI sashes worn as neckpieces.
The coordinated appearance created a colorful expression of Nigerian cultural identity while reinforcing the sense of unity that characterized the gathering.
As the formal program concluded, the ceremony transitioned into an extended social celebration. Members, inductees, and guests shared food and drinks before taking to the dance floor, with music and festivities continuing into the early hours of Sunday.
The presence of members and officials from different branches also gave the ceremony broader significance for Sugar Land, whose status as the First International Branch places it prominently in PCNI’s history outside Nigeria.
For Ulasi, however, the strongest indication of the event’s impact came afterward, as inquiries from prospective members continued to reach the branch.
He said that while the organization welcomes the increased interest, prospective members would be expected to understand the responsibilities and traditions associated with belonging to the People’s Club. “Membership is about much more than attending social events,” Ulasi said. “It is about service, friendship, responsibility, and commitment to one another. Those are the values we intend to preserve as the branch continues to grow.”
The September meeting is expected to consider how the branch will respond to increased membership interest and whether the success of the August ceremony provides sufficient grounds to move to an annual induction schedule. For the Sugar Land Branch, the aftermath of the August induction may prove as significant as the ceremony itself: 16 members entered the People’s Club that evening, but the celebration appears to have inspired many more to seek a place within its ranks.
National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke hails First International Branch for a spectacular celebration of culture, fellowship and service
HOUSTON, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI), the organization’s First International Branch, has been declared a total success following a spectacular bi-annual induction ceremony that brought together national leaders, branch chairmen, patrons, members, and guests from across the People’s Club family.
National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, commended the Houston branch for delivering an outstanding event that reflected the organization’s enduring traditions of friendship, fellowship, service, and community.
Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, SLPCNI Chairman, leads the grand entrance of the national leadership during the induction ceremony, followed by National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke and his wife.
“The Houston branch has once again demonstrated what People’s Club represents at its very best. This was a beautifully organized and highly successful event, rich in culture, fellowship, dignity, and unity. I commend the leadership, members, and entire Houston family for an exceptional celebration worthy of the First International Branch.”
The ceremony witnessed the formal swearing-in of 16 new members, each of whom was individually invited forward to receive a certificate of membership from the national president. Onyebueke was assisted in administering the oath by PCNI Attorney Chukwuka John Ukadike.
Group Photo: Women Members and Associates of SLPCNI
The inductees joined an impressive gathering that reflected the diversity and strength of the People’s Club community. Members and guests traveled from various branches across the United States and beyond, transforming the Houston ceremony into a truly international gathering.
The cultural elegance of the occasion was equally striking. Women appeared in colorful, coordinated traditional attire, featuring red-pinkish blouses and matching head ties paired with white wrappers prominently designed with the PCNI logo. The ensemble created a distinctive and dignified traditional look. Men complemented the occasion with elegant all-white outfits, customized PCNI cap pins, and special PCNI sashes worn as neckpieces.
Among those in attendance were Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; patrons and chairmen from various branches, and People’s Club members representing chapters across the globe.
The formal proceedings eventually gave way to an extended celebration of friendship and camaraderie. Food, drinks, music, and dancing carried the festivities well beyond the scheduled program, continuing for hours into the early morning of Sunday.
For the Houston branch, the celebration represented more than the admission of new members. It reaffirmed the historic importance of the First International Branch and demonstrated the continuing strength of People’s Club as a transnational fellowship rooted in Nigerian identity, friendship, service, and mutual support.
The successful ceremony also underscored the organization’s ability to bring generations and branches together while preserving the cultural traditions that have sustained its membership across continents.
By the end of the celebration, Houston had delivered more than an induction. It had delivered a memorable demonstration of unity, culture, friendship, and organizational excellence—an event that fully embodied the People’s Club spirit.
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