Plain English
GovGreed Synthesis ·
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.
Market Impact Map
Action Timeline
2025-01-15
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2025-01-15
Introduced in House
2025-01-15
Introduced in House
Full Bill Text
119 HR 449 IH: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2025-01-15 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 449 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 15, 2025 Mrs. Radewagen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes. 1. Waiver of certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals to become United States citizens (a) Findings The Congress finds the following: (1) Both United States citizens and United States nationals are persons who owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (2) United States nationals serve in the United States Armed Services at a very high per capita rate. (3) Commissioned military officers and certain security clearances require United States nationals to become United States citizens. (4) Many United States nationals desire to become United States citizens. (5) United States nationals attend United States Department of Education curriculum-approved and regulated schools. (6) United States nationals serving in the military or other United States national civilians desiring to obtain United States citizenship should be entitled to citizenship on an expedited basis without having to move, having any further educational testing required, or having any fee or cost assessed. (b) Naturalization of certain United States nationals Section 325 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1436 ) is amended to read as follows: 325. Nationals but not citizens of the United States; residence within outlying possessions (a) Eligibility for naturalization A person not a citizen who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, and who is otherwise qualified, may— (1) if the person becomes a resident of any State, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable requirements of this title, except that in applications for naturalization filed under the provisions of this section, residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of this title shall include residence and physical presence within any of the outlying possessions of the United States; or (2) if the person has continuously resided in any State or outlying possession of the United States from birth to the date of approval of the application, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable requirements of this title other than sections 312 and 337(a) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 316(a). (b) Jurisdiction The Secretary shall provide that applications, interviews, filings, oaths, ceremonies, or other proceedings under this title, to the extent applicable, are available in an outlying possession of the United States with respect to— (1) any applicant for naturalization under subsection (a)(2); (2) any applicant for naturalization under section 328 or 329 who is a resident of an outlying possession of the United States; or (3) any child described in section 322(a)(5)(B) for whom an application is made under section 322. (c) Construction In determining eligibility for naturalization under subsection (a)(2)— (1) absence from any State or outlying possession of the United States for a continuous period of more than 180 days shall break the continuity of such residence, unless the person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security that the person did not abandon such person’s residence during such period; (2) in conducting the investigation and examination of the person under sections 332(a) and 335, the Secretary of Homeland Security may in the discretion of the Secretary waive a personal interview of the person; and (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the discretion of the Secretary, may impose a reduced fee for an application for naturalization under such subsection compared to other applications for naturalization, taking into account the relative costs of processing an application for naturalization under such subsection. . (c) Children of United States nationals Section 322(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1433(a)(5) ) is amended to read as follows: (5) The child— (A) is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, and is maintaining such lawful status; or (B) is present and resides in an outlying possession of the United States .
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