On January 31, 2025, Republican Senators Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), Katie Britt (Alabama), and Ted Cruz (Texas) introduced the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025.” This legislation aims to end the automatic granting of U.S. citizenship to individuals born on American soil to parents who are either illegal immigrants or temporary visa holders.
Legislative Details
The proposed bill seeks to amend current interpretations of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” The bill’s sponsors argue that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” has been misinterpreted and that their legislation would correct this by excluding children born to illegal immigrants and temporary visitors from automatic citizenship.
Context and Implications
This legislative move follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which seeks to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. The order has sparked significant legal challenges, with 22 Democrat-led states and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filing lawsuits, arguing that it violates the 14th Amendment.
The introduction of the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025” reflects ongoing debates within the U.S. regarding immigration policy and the interpretation of constitutional provisions related to citizenship. If enacted, the bill would represent a significant shift in American immigration and citizenship policy, potentially affecting thousands of individuals born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents.