If enacted, HB6612 would potentially alter how birthright citizenship is determined, specifically delineating citizenship based on the immigration status of parents. This amendment could have significant implications on the legal status of children born to non-citizens who may have previously been afforded automatic citizenship. The bill's supporters argue that it helps to maintain the integrity of U.S. citizenship, while critics fear it could lead to increased statelessness among children born to parents without legal status, creating a new subset of individuals without citizenship rights.
Summary
House Bill 6612, known as the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2023, proposes an amendment to section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This bill aims to clarify the classes of individuals who are considered nationals and citizens of the United States at birth, specifically focusing on those born within U.S. borders. It establishes that individuals born in the U.S. are considered 'subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States if at least one of their parents is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or an active service member in the armed forces. This clarification is rooted in the protections afforded by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
Contention
The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocates. Proponents see it as a necessary adjustment to clarify how citizenship is granted at birth, while opponents argue that it undermines the fundamental principle of universal birthright citizenship established by the Constitution. Detractors express concern that the bill could lead to discriminatory practices against children born to immigrant parents and complicate the immigration landscape further, leading to potential legal battles and confusion regarding citizenship rights.
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.