Bill Introduced in US Senate to Restrict Birthright Citizenship

A bill introduced in the US Senate by Republican Senators aims to restrict birthright citizenship, targeting children born to illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. The move is seen as a response to concerns over illegal immigration and national security.

Washington: A new bill introduced in the US Senate by a group of Republican lawmakers seeks to limit birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. Senators Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, and Katie Britt, who introduced the legislation, argue that the current system of birthright citizenship is being exploited and is a major factor driving illegal immigration, as well as a national security concern.

Birthright Citizenship Bill Aims to Address National Security Concerns

The US is one of only 33 countries globally that grants unrestricted birthright citizenship. This policy, according to the Senators, has led to significant challenges, including “birth tourism,” where individuals travel to the US solely to give birth to a child who will automatically be granted US citizenship. They argue that this practice has become a major pull factor for illegal immigration.

Senator Lindsey Graham, in support of the bill, stated that the policy has been abused in multiple ways. “One example is birth tourism, where wealthy individuals from China and other nations come to the United States simply to have a child who will be an American citizen,” Graham said. “Birthright citizenship is one of the largest magnets that draw people to America.”

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Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025

The proposed legislation, known as the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, aims to restrict birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are US citizens, lawful permanent residents, or active military personnel. The bill only applies to children born after its enactment. It also seeks to align US practices with most other countries worldwide, where birthright citizenship is not automatically granted to children of non-citizens.

Senator Katie Britt emphasized that the policy has long been a vulnerability for the nation. “The promise of American citizenship should not incentivize illegal migration, but that’s exactly what has happened for far too long,” she said.

Concerns Over Birth Tourism and Security

The bill comes after a federal judge blocked a similar executive order signed by President Donald Trump during his first day in office. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, in 2023, around 225,000 to 250,000 births occurred to illegal immigrants, accounting for nearly 7% of all births in the US. The new bill aims to curb practices such as “birth tourism,” which involves paying for maternity services in the US in order to obtain citizenship for the child.

The bill’s proponents also pointed to several instances of birth tourism schemes, such as a case in September 2024, where two individuals in California were convicted for operating a “maternity hotel” that catered to wealthy foreign clients, particularly from China, seeking to have children born on US soil.

Strengthening US Citizenship Practices

The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 also seeks to strengthen US citizenship laws, ensuring that they are better aligned with the practices of peer countries. Senators Graham, Cruz, and Britt argue that limiting birthright citizenship will protect national sovereignty, reduce incentives for illegal migration, and ensure that the US is not the destination for birth tourism.

While the bill is still in its early stages, its passage would mark a significant change in the US’s approach to immigration and citizenship laws. For now, the debate over birthright citizenship is set to continue as lawmakers consider the implications of such a major policy shift.