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HOUSE 1941117th CongressReferred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes.

Last Action
5/18/2021

Actions

  • 2021-05-18Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
  • 2021-03-16Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • 2021-03-16Introduced in House
  • 2021-03-16Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2021-03-16 (00)

This bill waives certain requirements for U.S. nationals applying for citizenship.

Currently, individuals born in an outlying possession (i.e., American Samoa or Swains Island) are U.S. nationals but do not automatically acquire citizenship through birth in an outlying possession.

Under this bill, a U.S. national who otherwise qualifies may become a citizen upon establishing residence and physical presence in a U.S. outlying possession. Currently, U.S. nationals must become a resident of a state to qualify for naturalization.

The bill also waives certain naturalization requirements, including those related to English language proficiency and participation in a public ceremony, for individuals who have continuously resided in an outlying possession or state from birth to the approval of a naturalization application.

Furthermore, upon meeting other requirements, this bill allows a child born abroad of a U.S. citizen parent to acquire citizenship by establishing presence and residency in an outlying possession, where currently such a child must be lawfully present in the United States to acquire citizenship through this method.

Cosponsors (5)

  • Gregorio Sablan (D-MP)
  • Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR)
  • Michael San Nicolas (D-GU)
  • Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)
  • Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

Subjects

  • Citizenship and naturalization
  • Family relationships
  • Immigration status and procedures
  • U.S. territories and protectorates
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.