[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PROTECTING THE VALUE OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, the Birthright Citizenship Act is a 
necessary step to restore integrity to our immigration system. The 14th 
Amendment was never intended to grant citizenship to children of 
individuals who enter or remain in the country illegally. The purpose 
of the 14th Amendment was to guarantee full rights to freed slaves, not 
to fuel illegal immigration or exploit U.S. citizenship through birth 
tourism.
  Today, 1 in 10 births in the U.S. is to an illegal mother, and nearly 
400,000 of these mothers come across the border illegally every year to 
give birth. The drafters of the 14th Amendment couldn't have imagined 
that is how it would be twisted to make that somehow legal.
  The loophole also fuels a global birth tourism industry, further 
undermining the integrity of our laws. Citizenship is one of America's 
most precious privileges. By closing these loopholes, this legislation 
prioritizes the rule of law and the interests of American citizens.
  It is about fairness. It is not denying opportunity but ensuring our 
laws are respected and applied consistently. Let's take this vital step 
to protect the value of U.S. citizenship.

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