Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6061

Introduced
10/25/23  

Caption

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, HB6061 would significantly alter the pathway to citizenship for U.S. nationals, particularly those who have served in the military or reside in U.S. outlying possessions. The bill’s provisions support and encourage individuals who have shown allegiance to the U.S. and wish to formalize their citizenship. By streamlining these processes, the bill seeks to honor the contributions of U.S. nationals to the nation while potentially increasing the number of individuals who can attain citizenship annually.

Summary

House Bill 6061 proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act aimed at simplifying the naturalization process for United States nationals. This bill recognizes United States nationals, who often serve in the U.S. Armed Services, and facilitates their transition to U.S. citizenship by waiving specific naturalization requirements. Among the proposed changes is the allowance for these individuals to become naturalized citizens without additional residence requirements, educational testing, or incurring fees, which could traditionally complicate the process for many applicants.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB6061 could arise regarding the modifications to standard citizenship requirements. Critics may argue that waiving educational tests and associated fees could undermine the traditional criteria and may unintentionally open the doors to abuse of the naturalization process. Supporters, however, argue that such changes are necessary to fairly recognize the unique status of U.S. nationals, particularly those engaged in military service, and to promote inclusivity in citizenship policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10415

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that employment authorization is only available to aliens who are lawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes.

US HB6477

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reform the process for inspection of applicants for admission.

US HB3172

To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.

US HB449

This bill waives certain requirements for U.S. nationals applying for citizenship. Currently, individuals born in an outlying possession (i.e., American Samoa or Swains Island) are U.S. nationals but do not automatically acquire citizenship through birth in an outlying possession. Under this bill, a U.S. national who otherwise qualifies may become a citizen upon establishing residence and physical presence in a U.S. outlying possession. Currently, U.S. nationals must become a resident of a state to qualify for naturalization. The bill also waives certain naturalization requirements, including those related to English language proficiency and participation in a public ceremony, for individuals who have continuously resided in an outlying possession or state from birth to the approval of a naturalization application. Furthermore, upon meeting other requirements, this bill allows a child born abroad of a U.S. citizen parent to acquire citizenship by establishing presence and residency in an outlying possession, where currently such a child must be lawfully present in the United States to acquire citizenship through this method.

US HB7179

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

US HB10501

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the annual numerical limitation on visas for certain immigrants, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant work authorization to certain immigrants with a pending application for nonimmigrant status under such Act, and for other purposes.

US HB9839

To amend title 39, United States Code, to modernize the Postal Service regulations, and for other purposes.

US HB649

To establish the National Commission on Domestic Terrorist Attacks on the United States by Antifa, and for other purposes.

US HB10452

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain types of fraud in the provision of immigration services, and for other purposes.

US HB10375

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to strengthen the critical minerals workforce in the United States.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.