Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025
Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would change who automatically becomes a U.S. citizen at birth. Currently, anyone born in the U.S. is granted citizenship. The bill would narrow this by only granting automatic citizenship to babies born to parents who are: U.S.
citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or non-citizens serving in the U.S. military. Children born to undocumented immigrants or other non-citizens without legal status would no longer automatically receive citizenship at birth. **Who it affects:** The bill would primarily affect children born in the United States to undocumented or non-legally-residing parents. It would not change the citizenship status of anyone born before the law takes effect. The proposal is related to broader debates about immigration policy, as it would reduce the number of people gaining citizenship through birth in the U.S. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 This bill limits birthright citizenship by redefining what it means to be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.Currently, a person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is entitled to citizenship. Under the bill, a person is subject to U.S. jurisdiction if he or she is born to a parent who is (1) a U.S. citizen or national, (2) a lawful permanent resident residing in the United States, or (3) a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) in lawful status who is performing active service in the Armed Forces.The bill does not affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born before the bill's enactment date.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.