The PARENT Act of 2025 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to narrow or redefine birthright citizenship. Specifically, it adds a new definition to determine who is “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” for purposes of birthright citizenship at birth. Under the bill, a child born in the United States would be considered a citizen at birth only if at the time of birth, the child’s parent is either a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The act applies prospectively, affecting only births occurring after the date of enactment. In essence, it would limit automatic U.S. citizenship at birth to children of citizens or LPRs and would not confer birthright citizenship to children born to parents who are not citizens or LPRs after enactment.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and scope: Amends 8 U.S.C. 1101 to clarify what “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” means for birthright citizenship, tying it to the parent’s status (citizen or LPR) at the time of birth.
- 2New definition: Section 101(j) addition states that a person born in the United States is subject to the jurisdiction thereof only if the parent at the time of birth is a U.S. citizen or an alien who is a lawful permanent resident.
- 3Effective date: The changes apply to births after the date of enactment; births prior to enactment are not affected.
- 4Title and branding: Also known as the Prohibiting Automatic Rights to Enter National Territory Act of 2025 (PARENT Act of 2025).
- 5Procedural notes: Referred to the Judiciary Committee; no accompanying funding language or enforcement mechanism is specified in the text provided.