Sen. Jim Banks and Sen. Bernie Moreno Push Bills to Restrict Birthright Citizenship Rights

Republicans are pushing legislation to limit birthright citizenship following a Supreme Court decision. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., introduced the Citizenship Act of 2026, which seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the United States to those whose parents are present illegally. This effort mirrors proposals previously advanced by Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who plans to reintroduce legislation initially backed by the late, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Supporters argue that the laws must close loopholes exploited by illegal immigrants. The proposed bills would restrict rights under the 14th Amendment, stating that children born to parents who entered the country without authorization would not automatically qualify for citizenship. These efforts follow the administration's recent Supreme Court ruling that protected the citizenship of children born to temporarily or unlawfully present parents. Congress members argue that legislation, rather than the courts, should determine immigration policy, as noted by Congressman Greg Steube, R-Fla. The movement emphasizes safeguarding national sovereignty against potential abuse of the immigration system.

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