Senator Lindsey Graham, US Senator for South Carolina | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Lindsey Graham, US Senator for South Carolina | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has introduced a bill aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in the United States. The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2024 targets the practice of granting citizenship to children of illegal immigrants and those on temporary visas.
Graham highlighted that the exploitation of birthright citizenship is a significant factor for illegal immigration and poses a national security risk. He noted that the U.S. is among 33 countries without restrictions on birthright citizenship. In 2018, Graham supported President Trump’s executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants on American soil.
“It is long overdue for the United States to change its policy on birthright citizenship because it is being abused in so many ways,” said Senator Graham. “One example is birth tourism, where wealthy individuals from China and other nations come to the United States simply to have a child who will be an American citizen. When you look at the magnets that draw people to America, birthright citizenship is one of the largest. It is time for the United States to align itself with the rest of the world and restrict this practice once and for all.”
Graham criticized policies under the Biden-Harris Administration, stating they allow migrants to enter illegally and stay for years while enjoying various benefits.
According to Graham, illegal immigration has surged under this administration, with over 8.3 million encounters at the southern border in the past three and a half years.
He also pointed out instances where adversaries exploit U.S. laws, citing a recent case where two individuals from California were found guilty in a "birth tourism" scheme involving predominantly Chinese clients who paid tens of thousands of dollars to give birth in America.
A Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee report from 2022 revealed another birthing company catering to wives of Russian oligarchs, celebrities, athletes, and public figures.
The proposed Birthright Citizenship Act specifies that only children born after its enactment can receive U.S. citizenship if at least one parent is either:
- A citizen or national of the U.S.
- A lawful permanent resident
- An alien performing active service in the armed forces
For further details on the bill text, click HERE.
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