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.
Impact
The proposed amendments primarily affect the naturalization process outlined in Section 325 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. By allowing for a waiver of certain requirements, particularly for those who have continuously resided in outlying possessions of the United States since birth, the bill aims to reduce barriers that U.S. nationals face when seeking citizenship. Notably, this could have significant implications for individuals who have maintained a connection to the U.S. through residency or military service but faced challenges in accessing citizenship due to traditional naturalization barriers.
Summary
House Bill 449 seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to simplify the naturalization process for United States nationals who wish to become citizens. The bill recognizes that U.S. nationals, who owe permanent allegiance to the United States, often serve in the armed services at a high rate and many desire citizenship. One of the key provisions is the elimination of various requirements for naturalization, including additional educational testing, fees, and the need to relocate for the naturalization process. This change aims to facilitate a smoother transition to citizenship for eligible individuals, particularly those serving in the U.S. military.
Contention
While the bill is expected to have broad support among those advocating for the rights of U.S. nationals and military personnel, it could face opposition related to the perception that it may lower standards for obtaining citizenship. Critics might argue that waiving requirements could undermine the naturalization process, creating an impression that citizenship lacks rigor. Supporters of the bill, however, contend that the proposed changes are necessary to acknowledge the unique circumstances surrounding U.S. nationals, particularly those who contribute to the nation's security through military service.
Ensuring American Voters Act of 2023 This bill prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in federal elections unless the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
A bill 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.
American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.
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.