S. 2274: Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act of 2025, proposes to modify the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding birthright citizenship in the United States. The main focus of the bill is to specify certain conditions under which individuals born in the United States are not considered citizens at birth.

Key Provisions

• Clarification of Birthright Citizenship: The bill asserts that the right to birthright citizenship, which is derived from the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is based on the principle of jus soli (right of the soil) but includes limitations. It is stated that citizenship is not granted solely based on location but also on allegiance to the United States.
• Exclusions from Citizenship: The legislation seeks to codify existing legal understandings that certain categories of individuals born in the U.S. do not automatically qualify for citizenship. These exclusions include:
  • Children of foreign diplomats.
  • Children of enemy troops.
  • Children of foreign spies, saboteurs, terrorists, and other hostile actors.
  • Children of individuals who are illegally present in the United States.

Sense of Congress

The bill expresses the sense of Congress on several points regarding the understanding of citizenship:

• It emphasizes that the right to citizenship is not absolute and is limited by the responsibilities of loyalty and obedience to the United States.
• It reinforces the historical precedent that certain foreign individuals do not receive citizenship benefits for their offspring born in the U.S.

Purpose of the Bill

The key purposes outlined in the legislation are:

• To formally establish the common law exceptions for individuals in diplomatic service or those engaged in acts of hostility.
• To clarify the categories of individuals deemed disloyal or disobedient, and consequently not eligible for birthright citizenship.

Effect of the Bill

If enacted, this bill would amend the existing definitions of citizenship in the Immigration and Nationality Act, creating stricter criteria regarding who qualifies for citizenship at birth based on their parents' legal status or actions within the United States.

Relevant Companies

None found.