Dear Members of Congress,
I urge you to introduce legislation that safeguards the foundational principles of American citizenship. Proposed policies by Donald Trump, including the prohibition of birthright citizenship and the strengthening of the denaturalization unit, join to the lack of protections for dual citizenship in this country, endanger the rights and security of millions of Americans. Immediate action is needed to ensure these pillars of our democracy remain intact.
The 14th Amendment enshrines birthright citizenship, affirming that any person born on U.S. soil is a citizen. This principle has provided stability and equality for generations. However, proposals to reinterpret this right threaten to create a legal and humanitarian crisis. Legislation is essential to reaffirm and codify the protection of birthright citizenship to prevent arbitrary challenges and protect individuals born in this country. Defenseless children could be cruelly deported without any recourse, and many who once had the right to vote, work in federal jobs or simply travel with a U.S. passport would no longer be able to do so.
Naturalized citizens have fulfilled all legal requirements to become Americans, contributing to our economy, culture, and communities. However, the establishment of a Denaturalization Unit during the Trump administration and subsequent cases of denaturalization have created a chilling effect, casting doubt on the permanence of their citizenship. Legislation must ensure that denaturalization is reserved solely for extreme cases, such as proven fraud or national security threats, and is not wielded as a tool for fear or discrimination. Similarly, a statute of limitations must be established to ensure that minor past errors are forgiven if they are not severe.
Many Americans, including naturalized citizens, maintain dual citizenship for cultural, familial, or professional reasons. While U.S. governments have so far not opposed dual citizenship, the lack of explicit protections leaves individuals vulnerable to future governments that may seek to prohibit it. Clear legislation is needed to protect the rights of dual citizens, recognizing the diverse and interconnected world in which we live.
Undermining citizenship—whether by birth, naturalization, or dual status—undermines the very fabric of our nation. For example, this could create a marginalized social class that, out of fear of eventual deportation, refrains from exercising fundamental rights such as voting or accessing public services. This would perpetuate inequalities and erode social cohesion. These rights are essential to maintaining our identity as a country that values equality, justice, and opportunity. Without legislative action, millions of Americans risk facing uncertainty, fear, and unjust persecution.
I respectfully request that you propose comprehensive legislation to:
· Protect birthright citizenship as guaranteed under the 14th Amendment.
· Limit denaturalization to cases of proven fraud or security risks and establish a statute of limitations for reviewing prior cases.
· Explicitly safeguard the rights of citizens with dual nationality.
This is not just a legal issue—it is a moral imperative to uphold the values that define us as a nation.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your response and stand ready to support your efforts to protect the citizenship rights of all Americans.