Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and several Republican colleagues have introduced bold new legislation aimed at ending the outdated practice of granting automatic U.S. citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants. The bill would close a loophole that has incentivized illegal border crossings and birth tourism for decades. Supporters argue that the measure is a necessary step to prioritize American citizens and restore the rule of law.
The Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act, cosponsored by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), hits the core issue at play, which has been that birthright citizenship has been weaponized as a loophole for illegal immigration, incentivizing lawbreaking and draining taxpayer-funded programs like Medicaid. The legislation aligns with President Donald Trump’s America First agenda by enforcing sovereignty, cutting abuse, and prioritizing citizens who contribute.
“Birthright citizenship was never intended to benefit illegal immigrants. My bill will clarify this once and for all, and preserve American citizenship for those who are here legally,” Cotton wrote on X.
Birthright citizenship was never intended to benefit illegal immigrants. My bill will clarify this once and for all, and preserve American citizenship for those who are here legally.
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) July 16, 2025
D.C. bureaucrats and open-border activists may protest, but the facts speak for themselves: unrestricted birthright citizenship puts pressure on public services and weakens the integrity of our legal immigration system. Addressing this issue isn’t just about politics; it’s about restoring common sense and enforcing the rule of law.
“There is no constitutional right for illegal aliens to cross the border to gain citizenship for their children. Granting birthright citizenship to illegal aliens has contributed to the highest levels of illegal immigration in history. Fixing this will help reduce the damage from Joe Biden’s catastrophic border crisis,” Cotton said.
The bill would update the Immigration and Nationality Act to make it clear that children born in the U.S. would not automatically receive citizenship if their parents are in the country illegally, here on diplomatic missions, or involved in hostile actions against the United States.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump, illegal immigration into our great country has virtually stopped. Despite the radical left's lies, new legislation wasn't needed to secure our border, just a new president.
Help us continue to report the truth about the president's border policies and mass deportations. Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.
