The United States government currently recognizes any person born on American soil as a “natural born” citizen and ignores the Constitutional requirement that one must also be “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States in order to automatically gain citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on whether or not children born to illegal-alien parents, or to parents visiting the United States with temporary visas, are entitled to birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship for illegal aliens not only rewards illegal immigration and adds to the population growth, it also acts as an “anchor” for illegal-alien family members to remain in the United States and eventually legalize their status. This section charts House and Senate bills and joint resolutions that would codify or discontinue birthright citizenship.

HOUSE BILLS

End Birthright Citizenship

H.R.1868 (Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009) - would eliminate birthright citizenship for the children born to illegal aliens in the United States by limiting citizenship to the children born to U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent resident aliens in the United States, and aliens performing active service in the armed forces. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) is the bill’s main sponsor.
Cosponsors

End Birthright Citizenship

H.R.994 (Loophole Elimination and Verification Enforcement [LEAVE] Act) - would prevent children born to illegal aliens in the United States from obtaining birthright citizenship by limiting such citizenship to the children of: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) lawful permanent resident aliens residing in the United States; and (3) aliens performing active service in the U.S. armed services.
Click Here for a listing of other major provisions in the LEAVE Act.
Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) is the bill’s main sponsor.
Cosponsors

End Birthright Citizenship

H.R.126 - would limit birthright citizenship to a person with a citizen or legal resident mother. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) is the bill's main sponsor.
No Cosponsors

There are four forms legislation take:

S. 123 (or H.R. 123) - Bills that must pass both chambers (i.e., House and Senate) and be signed by President to have force of law.

S. Res. 123 (or H.Res. 123) - Measures concerning operation of single chamber; not presented to President for action.

S.J. Res. 123 (or H.J.Res. 123) - Resolutions requiring both chambers’ approval and presentation to President for approval (as with bills [laws enacted by virtue of joint resolutions are not distinguished from laws enacted by bills]); generally used to authorize small appropriations, enact continuing resolutions that provide for government expenditures (absent overarching appropriations law), create commissions or other bodies, or extend legislation already drafted; also used to propose amendments to U.S. Constitution, in which case must be sent to states directly – bypassing Presidential action – for three-fourths’ approval.

S.Con.Res. 123 (or H.Con.Res. 123) - Resolutions requiring both chambers’ approval, but not Presidential action; generally used to address both chambers’ sentiments or deal with issues affecting both chambers.