H.R. 1206 · 116th Congress

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that noncitizen nationals of the United States who are children of United States citizens are eligible for United States citizenship, and for other purposes.

Stage
In committee
Introduced
2019-02-13
Latest action
2019-03-25 · Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Summary

This bill establishes that minors born in the outlying U.S. possessions (i.e., America Samoa and Swains Island) shall be eligible to obtain citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent. Currently, a child born outside the United States may automatically acquire citizenship through a parent by satisfying certain requirements.

The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish that this same citizenship path is available to non-citizen national minors. This path to citizenship is distinct from rights acquired at birth, and is open to individuals such as minors who were adopted by a U.S. citizen.