HJRES103119th Congress

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution to protect American citizenship.

Sponsored By: Representative Barr

Introduced

Summary

Limits birthright citizenship by redefining who is "subject to the jurisdiction" under the Fourteenth Amendment. This amendment would say a person born in the United States counts under that test only if at least one parent is a U.S. national, a lawful permanent resident living in the United States, or a noncitizen lawfully serving in the Armed Forces.

Show full summary
  • Children and families: Children born in the U.S. to parents who do not meet those specific statuses would not automatically meet the Fourteenth Amendment's subject-to-jurisdiction test and so would not claim birthright status under this change.
  • Military families: A parent with lawful immigration status who is actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces would qualify, preserving birthright claims for many service members' children.
  • Federal implementation and ratification: The amendment vests Congress with authority to pass laws to carry it out and requires ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

New limits on citizenship for U.S.-born kids

This joint resolution would change who is a U.S. citizen at birth. A child born in the U.S. would be a citizen at birth only if at least one parent is a U.S. national, a lawful permanent resident who lives in the U.S., or a noncitizen with lawful status serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. If parents do not meet one of these, the child would not get automatic citizenship. It would take effect only if three-fourths of state legislatures ratify it within seven years of submission.

Congress could pass citizenship enforcement laws

If ratified, Congress would have power to pass laws to carry out this amendment. Those laws could define and enforce who counts as a citizen at birth under the new rules. The amendment would take effect only if three-fourths of state legislatures ratify it within seven years of submission.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Barr

KY • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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