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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 569

Congress moves to limit automatic U.S. citizenship at birth to children with certain parents

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • Congress would change the law to say a child born in the U.S. is a citizen at birth only if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident living in the U.S., or a noncitizen with lawful status serving on active duty in the U.S. military.

    From policy text

    “a person born in the United States shall be considered `subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States for purposes of subsection (a)(1) if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is-- ``(1) a citizen or national of the United States; ``(2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States whose residence is in the United States; or ``(3) an alien with lawful status under the immigration laws performing active service in the armed forces”
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  • This would likely deny automatic citizenship at birth to children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country without legal status, or who are here on many temporary visas not covered by the bill.

    From policy text

    “a person born in the United States shall be considered `subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States for purposes of subsection (a)(1) if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is-- ``(1) a citizen or national of the United States; ``(2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States whose residence is in the United States; or ``(3) an alien with lawful status under the immigration laws performing active service in the armed forces”
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  • For families, this could change what papers a newborn can get (like a U.S. passport) and could affect access to jobs and benefits later in life, depending on the child’s status.
  • The bill says it would not change the citizenship status of anyone born before it becomes law, so it would only apply going forward.

    From policy text

    “The amendment made by subsection (a)(3) shall not be construed to affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born before the date of the enactment of this Act.”
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  • Supporters describe it as a clarification of who is “subject to U.S. jurisdiction,” but it would be a major shift from how birthright citizenship is commonly understood today.

    From policy text

    “Acknowledging the right of birthright citizenship established by section 1 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution, a person born in the United States shall be considered `subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States for purposes of subsection (a)(1)”
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ImmigrationCivil Rights

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(4)
Immigrant
Hurts
Undocumented
Hurts
Child Tax Credit
Hurts
Visa Holder
Hurts
Mixed Impacts(1)
Green Card
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Military Active
Helps

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 21, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 21, 2025

Introduced in House

Related Bills

1 bill
S. 304Related bill

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025

Jan 29 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 569
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(81)
R: 81

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.