A Justice Department attorney told a federal court that citizenship lists compiled under a recent presidential order are likely unreliable and should not be used by states to update their voter registration rolls.

The comments came during a court hearing regarding a presidential directive aimed at increasing federal oversight of election processes. The order has drawn legal challenges from civil rights groups and election officials who argue it could disrupt voting access.

The government lawyer stated that no "responsible state" should rely on the citizenship verification lists to make changes to their voter databases, citing concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the data. The admission represents a significant acknowledgment of potential flaws in the administration's election oversight initiative.

The presidential order was issued as part of broader efforts to enhance what the administration describes as election integrity measures. Critics have argued that such initiatives could lead to eligible voters being improperly removed from registration rolls.

The case is ongoing, with additional hearings expected as courts weigh the legal challenges to the citizenship verification requirements and their potential impact on voting rights.