U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), ranking member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, on Oct. 23 unveiled bipartisan legislation to facilitate automatic American citizenship for lawful permanent resident children of military and federal government personnel who were born and reside abroad.
“Families making tremendous sacrifices to serve our country shouldn’t have to jump through additional hoops for their children to become American citizens,” said Rep. Collins.
The congressman signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act, H.R. 4803, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and six other cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX).
H.R. 4803 aims to fix a problem in current law that requires such children to establish U.S. residency in order to obtain citizenship, which can be difficult when a parent is stationed overseas, according to information released by Rep. Collins’ office.
“American citizens who are deployed members of our military or government officials working abroad should have confidence their children will receive U.S. citizenship,” said Rep. Collins. “The Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act would ensure children born abroad who do not currently satisfy the residency requirements for acquiring automatic citizenship because their parents are deployed will now satisfy those requirements.”
“I am glad we could work together to introduce this legislation that provides greater flexibility and support to those who have dedicated their careers to serving our nation,” said Rep. Nadler, who said he looks forward to an Oct. 29 hearing, being held by the U.S. House Judiciary Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee, that will further explore the issue.