Chinese Student Faces Federal Charges After Illegal 2024 Vote, Flight From Michigan

Haoxiang Gao, a Chinese national and former University of Michigan student, has been federally charged for illegally registering to vote and casting a ballot in the 2024 presidential election using false claims of U.S. citizenship. Despite being released on bond with conditions to surrender his passport and remain in Michigan, Gao fled the country to Shanghai the day before President Donald Trump took office, using a passport with a different number to evade detection. Gao initially attempted to retract his vote after realizing the illegality, expressing he was "freaking out" and wanting to "make things right." Prosecutors emphasize that illegal voting by foreign nationals, particularly from countries without democratic traditions, undermines the integrity of U.S. elections and disenfranchises citizens. Federal authorities and the FBI are investigating and pursuing Gao to send a strong message that illegal voting by noncitizens, including foreign students, will not be tolerated. The case highlights concerns about election security and the enforcement of voting laws against noncitizens in critical swing states like Michigan.