Bill would deny birthright citizenship to some U.S.-born children.

What it does

This bill changes federal law about who gets automatic citizenship at birth. Children born in the U.S. would not automatically become citizens if their mother is unlawfully present or on a temporary visa. Their father must also not be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The bill keeps old rules for children of foreign diplomats and those born on foreign ships. The bill starts 30 days after it becomes law and applies only to babies born after that date.

Who it affects

Children born in the U.S. to mothers on temporary visas or unlawfully present would be affected. These children would not automatically be U.S. citizens. They would need to go through a separate process to become citizens.

One thing to notice

The bill would create a group of children born in the U.S. who are not automatic citizens. This is different from current law.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

4 cosponsors: 4 Republicans.

• Jul 9, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Jul 9, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• birthright citizenship — Automatic citizenship given to people born in a country.
• unlawfully present — In a country without legal permission to be there.
• lawful permanent resident — A person allowed to live in the U.S. permanently but not yet a citizen.
• temporary visa — Official permission to visit or work in a country for a set time.