Senate Republicans introduce bill to reform birthright citizenship, following Trump’s controversial order
In response to President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants, several Senate Republicans have introduced a bill titled the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025.” This bill aims to reform U.S. law to put an end to the practice of automatically granting citizenship to individuals born in the U.S. to parents who are either illegal aliens or in the country on a temporary basis.
The bill was introduced by Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt, and Ted Cruz, who argue that birthright citizenship serves as a significant magnet for illegal immigration, posing a threat to national security. They point to the existence of “birth tourism” companies in the U.S., such as “Miami Mama,” which cater to wealthy individuals from foreign countries seeking U.S. citizenship for their children.
Senator Graham emphasized the need to align the U.S. with other countries and restrict the practice of birthright citizenship, citing President Trump’s executive order as a step in the right direction. The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 clarifies that individuals born in the U.S. must have at least one parent who is a citizen, national, legal permanent resident, or legal alien serving in the U.S. military on active duty to be considered citizens.
The bill does not impact the citizenship status of individuals born before its passage but only applies to those born after. It seeks to address the misuse of birthright citizenship and prevent it from incentivizing illegal migration. Senator Britt emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s sovereignty, disincentivizing illegal migration, and aligning American citizenship practices with those of other countries.
This legislative effort follows President Trump’s executive order, which aimed to prevent the issuance of documents recognizing the citizenship of children born to illegal and temporary migrants in the U.S. While the order has faced legal challenges and been temporarily blocked, proponents of the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 believe that it clarifies the intent of the 14th Amendment without amending it.
Legal experts like Hans von Spakovsky argue that the bill reinforces the original meaning of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause and ensures that individuals born in the U.S. have a connection to the country through their parents. The bill’s sponsors believe that reemphasizing the language of the amendment is essential to address the misuse of birthright citizenship and strengthen U.S. immigration policies.
In conclusion, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 represents a significant effort by Senate Republicans to reform U.S. law regarding citizenship and address the challenges posed by birthright citizenship. By clarifying the criteria for citizenship and preventing its misuse, the bill aims to protect the nation’s security and sovereignty while aligning American practices with global standards.
