Bill · H.R. 9724· House(119-HR-9724)
End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act
- Introduced
- 7/16/2026
- Last activity
- 7/16/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- H. Griffith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the "End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act". It aims to clarify birthright citizenship laws in U.S. territories and combat foreign nationals seeking citizenship there. The text states that Congress has the power to legislate regarding citizenship status in territories based on the Constitution and Supreme Court precedents. The bill places a cutoff date of January 1, 2027, on birthright citizenship provisions for individuals born in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It also outlines that these changes do not affect the citizenship status of anyone born before that date, or children born to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents in the territories.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+4
The bill asserts broad federal authority to legislate citizenship standards in U.S. territories.
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
The bill restricts birthright citizenship in territories to combat foreign nationals seeking citizenship.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-7
The legislation places a strict cutoff date on automatic birthright citizenship in U.S. territories.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-6
Puerto Rican residents and newborns are directly impacted by the termination of birthright citizenship.
Would immigrants be better off under this?-6
The bill creates stricter barriers for foreign nationals and families seeking citizenship in U.S. territories.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection for Existing Citizens: According to Section 6(b)(1), the amendments will not affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born in the United States before January 1, 2027. This is positive because it ensures that people who currently hold citizenship will not have it stripped away by these new rules.
-
Protection for Children of Citizens and Permanent Residents: Section 6(b)(2) states that the changes will not affect the citizenship or nationality of a person born in the territories who is a child of a United States citizen or a child of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. This is a benefit because it protects families with established legal ties to the U.S. from losing citizenship rights for their newborns.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Ending Birthright Citizenship in Territories: Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 place a strict limitation on birthright citizenship by adding a January 1, 2027 cutoff date for individuals born in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This could be considered a negative outcome for individuals born in those territories on or after that date, as they will no longer automatically receive birthright citizenship under the amended statutes.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Hispanic Americans-6Good For Immigrants-6Good For Asian Americans-5Good For Children-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3Improves Pathway To Citizenship-7Improves Racial Equity-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4
- 7/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/16/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
Ralph NormanRepublican · South Carolina