Senator pushes bills to end automatic birthright citizenship

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts is spearheading efforts to alter the long-standing principle of birthright citizenship. He has announced his support for two legislative proposals designed to modify how citizenship is granted to individuals born in the United States.

Ricketts contends that while birthright citizenship historically served a crucial role, particularly after the abolition of slavery, the present context necessitates a re-evaluation of these regulations. He asserts that the existing policies are being exploited through "birth tourism," allowing foreign nationals to enter the U.S. and benefit from the system, often through illegal means.

"We are one of the few nations that lacks sensible safeguards," Ricketts stated. "Unrestricted birthright citizenship gives Communist China the opportunity to infiltrate our country. We must reform the system."

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We are one of the few nations that lacks sensible safeguards. Unrestricted birthright citizenship gives Communist China the opportunity to infiltrate our country. We must reform the system.

He proposes that citizenship should be tied to a more substantial legal and permanent relationship with the nation, rather than being solely determined by the place of birth. Ricketts is co-sponsoring the proposed Citizenship for Birth Act of 2025 (S.304), introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham. This bill seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to clarify who is considered "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. under the 14th Amendment. If passed, automatic citizenship at birth would be restricted for children of undocumented immigrants and those temporarily in the U.S. on various visas.

Additionally, Ricketts supports the SAFE KIDS Act (S.3101), introduced by Senator Rick Scott. This bill specifically addresses surrogacy agreements involving citizens or residents of countries deemed adversaries by the U.S. It aims to invalidate certain surrogacy contracts between U.S.-based surrogate mothers and individuals from these adversarial nations, unless one of the intended parents is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

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It is about committing to our nation's promise and defending our values of freedom and democracy.