Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz introduced a bill to prevent the children of illegal immigrants who were born in the country from automatically obtaining citizenship.
The End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act proposal recognizes that U.S. citizenship is a privilege and therefore should not be considered an automatic right for which those born to persons without legal status in the country have access.
The legislation emphasizes that the children of refugees, of immigrant parents serving in the U.S. armed forces, or of persons who have already been lawfully admitted to the United States will be eligible for citizenship rights.
"Birthright citizenship has been grossly and blatantly misapplied for decades, recently becoming a loophole for illegal aliens to fraudulently abuse our immigration system," Gaetz said.
Today I'm introducing the "End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act."
American citizenship is a privilege – not an automatic right to be co-opted by illegal aliens.
This is an important step in preserving the sanctity of American citizenship.https://t.co/DAoSTZYrjl
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) July 25, 2023
The representative pointed out that federal regulations already state that children of foreign diplomats born in the country are not considered U.S. citizens, so he believes the law should have a similar interpretation for U.S.-born children whose parents are illegal immigrants.
"This is an important step in preserving the sanctity of American citizenship and ensures that citizenship is not treated as a loophole to be exploited but rather a privilege to be earned when legally migrating to our country," he added.
A way to deter immigrants
A few months ago, former President Donald Trump announced a similar proposal if he became president again and explained that ending birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants would help minimize the influx of illegal immigrants.
"My policy will choke off a major incentive for continued illegal immigration, deter more migrants from coming, and encourage many of the aliens Joe Biden has unlawfully let into our country to go back to their home countries," he said.
