McCarran-Walter Technical Corrections Act
Sponsored By: Representative Kennedy (NY)
Introduced
Summary
Replace the 50 percent blood-quantum rule with a membership-based eligibility test for cross-border Indigenous recognition. This bill would let members or people eligible to become members of federally recognized U.S. Indian Tribes and certain Canadian First Nations qualify under a revised INA section 289.
Show full summary
- Tribal members: Members or those eligible for membership in federally recognized U.S. tribes could qualify under the new test, widening who is recognized across the border.
- Canadians with Indian status: People registered under Canada's Indian Act or who hold membership in a self-governing First Nation in Canada would be eligible regardless of blood quantum.
- Immigration status: People admitted under the new subsection would be granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Green cards for some Native people
This bill would change who can use a long-standing border rule for Indigenous people and would remove the 50% blood-quantum test. You could qualify if you are a member, or eligible to be a member, of a federally recognized U.S. Indian Tribe. You could also qualify if you have Indian status in Canada under the Indian Act, or are a member of a self-governing First Nation in Canada. If you are admitted under these rules (section 289(a)), you would have lawful permanent resident status (a green card). The change would take effect when enacted.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Kennedy (NY)
NY • D
Cosponsors
Randall
WA • D
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Fulcher
ID • R
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Langworthy
NY • R
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Simpson
ID • R
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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