Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt of Alabama and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, with Senator Ted Cruz from Texas, have introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025. This legislation aims to end the practice of granting citizenship to children born in the United States to illegal aliens or individuals on temporary visas.

Senator Britt stated, "The promise of American citizenship should not incentivize illegal migration, but that’s exactly what has happened for far too long." She emphasized that the bill seeks to align U.S. citizenship practices with those of other countries and to protect national sovereignty.

The proposed bill would specify eligibility for birthright citizenship, limiting it to children born in the U.S. whose parents are either citizens, lawful permanent residents, or serving in the armed forces. The changes would apply only to births occurring after the enactment date.

Senator Graham highlighted issues such as "birth tourism," where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. specifically to give birth and secure citizenship for their child. He noted, "It is time for the United States to align itself with the rest of the world and restrict this practice once and for all."

The introduction of this bill comes amid criticism of current immigration policies under the Biden-Harris Administration. According to a report by the Center for Immigration Studies, there were an estimated 225,000 to 250,000 births to illegal aliens in 2023.

In recent years, incidents such as a California-based "birth tourism" scheme have drawn attention. In September 2024, two individuals were convicted for operating a maternity hotel catering predominantly to Chinese clients seeking U.S. citizenship for their newborns.

Senator Britt remains active in addressing illegal migration and enhancing border security measures. Her efforts include introducing legislation like the Laken Riley Act and proposing funding through the WALL Act for completing a southern border wall without increasing taxes or national debt.

For more details on the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, interested parties can access its full text online.