A viral video clip of former President Barack Obama has been circulating online with the claim that he encouraged undocumented immigrants to vote in the 2016 election. This assertion has gained traction amid renewed discussions about stricter proof-of-citizenship requirements for voters.
The footage originates from an interview conducted by actress Gina Rodriguez for the Latino media company mitu. In the original interview, Rodriguez questioned Obama about concerns regarding the integrity of the 2016 election and the potential risks for immigrants and their families who vote.
Social media users have taken portions of Obama’s responses out of context, presenting them to suggest he was advocating for non-citizens to cast ballots. One widely shared post stated that the video was “concrete evidence that the Dems use illegals to cheat.” Another claimed that Obama “openly encouraged illegals to vote in the 2016 election, and assured them that ICE and Federal law enforcement will NOT seek them out or deport them if they vote.”
The edited clip often features Obama stating, “If you want to vote and you show up at your polling place, they can’t stop you,” leading many to believe he was referring to anyone in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status.
However, a review of the full interview reveals the claim to be false. The video has been manipulated to distort Obama’s message. In the complete interview, Obama was addressing eligible voters, including Latino citizens, and encouraging their participation. He did not endorse or encourage non-citizens to vote.
When Rodriguez asked about the election being rigged, Obama responded that it was not and highlighted the historical challenges some groups, particularly African Americans, have faced in exercising their right to vote. He then urged eligible voters to participate, stating that despite potential deterrents, “if you want to vote and you show up at your polling place, they can’t stop you from voting.”
Later in the conversation, Rodriguez raised concerns about whether voting could expose the location of family members who are undocumented. Obama explicitly refuted this, stating, “Not true.” He clarified that those who vote are citizens and that their vote allows them to represent their own interests and those of others in their communities, including individuals who are not legally able to vote.
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