GOP Bill Would Strip Birthright Citizenship From 3.5 Million Americans—If It Passes

Executive Briefing

• Introduces legislation by Rep. Morgan Griffith to end automatic birthright citizenship in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands
• Limits automatic citizenship to births before January 1, 2027, unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Follows Supreme Court's June 30 ruling reaffirming birthright citizenship on the mainland, which Griffith cites as opening a legislative path for territories
• Critics warn the bill is unconstitutional and could violate the Northern Mariana Islands' Covenant, which requires mutual consent for such changes
• Relies on century-old Insular Cases precedents granting Congress authority to regulate constitutional rights in U.S. territories