PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dan Gordon, 617-651-0841Sept. 26, 2024

Bill to Restrict Birthright Citizenship Is Misguided

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill introduced Wednesday would severely restrict birthright citizenship by withholding it from the U.S.-born children of undocumented residents.

A longstanding principle of American democracy, birthright citizenship was laid out in the first sentence of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

"For 125 years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly reaffirmed birthright citizenship, including for the U.S.-born children of undocumented residents," said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.

"Birthright citizenship promotes integration, and it strengthens our nation and communities. It’s one of the things that makes America exceptional: If you’re born here, you belong here."

In June, Forum Senior Fellow Linda Chavez laid out and answered questions that have arisen around birthright citizenship. Defending it is one of the Forum’s six 2024 Immigration Principles.

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