“the state can put them in limbo”
What is the origin of this notion?
We note, however, that while the NVRA forbids States to demand that an applicant submit additional information beyond that required by the Federal Form, it does not preclude States from "deny[ing] registration based on information in their possession establing the applicant's ineligibility."So while Arizona must accept the federal form, it can also put that form on hold while it examines any records in the state's possession (and presumably to which it has access) that indicate that the applicant is not a U.S. citizen. That information can come from any number of sources: jury response forms, arrest records, deportation records, etc. In short, the burden is on the State to prove that an applicant is ineligible rather than the applicant having to prove that he is eligible. Thus the federal form sits "in limbo" while the State takes time to do some research.