The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would completely upend the way Americans cast ballots in federal elections by requiring them to prove their citizenship — in person — before registering to vote.

The House passed a bill Thursday requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship when they register to vote which has triggered alarm bells among voting and civil rights organizations. The big picture: The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act aims to restrict noncitizen voting in federal elections — which is exceptionally rare and illegal.

Washington — The House passed a controversial bill on Thursday that would require Americans to show proof of citizenship in person to register to vote in federal elections, which critics say could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. Four Democrats joined all Republicans to pass the measure in a 220-208 vote.