PARENT Act of 2025 Prohibiting Automatic Rights to Enter National Territory Act of 2025
If enacted, HB 2337 would significantly alter the landscape of immigration law as it pertains to citizenship rights granted at birth. By restricting citizenship based on parental status, the bill could lead to a decrease in the number of individuals classified as citizens at birth, resulting in notable implications for those born to non-citizen parents. This change could complicate the citizenship status of children born in the U.S. to temporary visa holders or undocumented immigrants, potentially leading to increased legal disputes and challenges surrounding citizenship claims.
House Bill 2337, officially titled the 'Prohibiting Automatic Rights to Enter National Territory Act of 2025' (PARENT Act of 2025), seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by clarifying the definition of birthright citizenship. Specifically, the bill stipulates that for a person born in the United States to automatically obtain U.S. citizenship, at least one parent must be a citizen or a lawful permanent resident at the time of birth. This amendment aims to redefine the parameters surrounding who qualifies for birthright citizenship.
The proposed changes within HB 2337 have sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to prevent perceived abuses of birthright citizenship, which they claim has been exploited by individuals seeking to secure citizenship for their children. Conversely, opponents highlight the ethical implications and the potential for widespread disenfranchisement of children born in the U.S., pointing out that it undermines long-standing principles that recognize citizenship by birth as a fundamental right. This divide illustrates the broader national tensions surrounding immigration policy and citizenship rights.