American Citizenship Integrity Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to deter and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in schemes to obtain U.S. citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-resident alien parents, by criminalizing such activities and strengthening immigration enforcement.
What it actually does
This bill creates new federal crimes for "birth tourism" trafficking, establishes inadmissibility grounds for aliens seeking admission for birth tourism, and provides for denaturalization of citizens involved in such schemes. It also establishes an interagency task force and designates assistant U.S. attorneys for related prosecutions to enhance enforcement.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue the bill protects the integrity of U.S. citizenship, prevents exploitation of immigration laws, and combats organized fraud schemes that undermine national security and public trust. They contend it targets illicit activities and criminal enterprises, not legitimate travel or birth.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue the bill could lead to racial profiling, infringe upon birthright citizenship principles by creating a chilling effect, and create complex legal challenges regarding the subjective determination of intent, potentially impacting legitimate visitors or pregnant individuals.
The bill is relatively short and its core provisions are clearly stated, making it accessible for a reader to understand its primary objectives within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2, amending 18 U.S.C. Chapter 69 by inserting new Section 1430.
Criminalizing Trafficking for Citizenship Purposes
This section makes it a federal crime to knowingly recruit, transport, or harbor certain aliens (excluding lawful permanent residents) into the U.S. with the intent of obtaining U.S. citizenship for their child through birth in the U.S. Penalties include up to 15 years imprisonment. Organized schemes involving three or more aliens or persons carry up to 30 years imprisonment and forfeiture. It also establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction for these offenses.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly targets and deters organized criminal enterprises that profit from exploiting U.S. citizenship laws, thereby protecting national security and the integrity of the immigration system.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that defining and proving "intent to obtain citizenship" could be challenging and lead to overreach, potentially criminalizing actions that are not inherently fraudulent or harmful, and could disproportionately affect certain communities.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire to deter fraudulent activities with concerns about the breadth of criminalization and potential for misapplication, particularly regarding the subjective nature of proving intent.
Section 3(a), amending Section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)).
New Inadmissibility Ground for Birth Tourism Intent
This provision adds a new ground for inadmissibility to the U.S. for any alien (non-citizen, non-national) whom a consular officer or the Secretary of Homeland Security determines is seeking, or has previously sought, admission to the United States for the purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child through birth in the U.S.
Section 3(b), amending Section 340 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1451).
Denaturalization for Fraudulent Citizenship Schemes
This section establishes that a conviction or admission of committing acts related to the new birth tourism trafficking offense (18 U.S.C. 1430) or false statements related to the new inadmissibility ground (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(11)) shall be considered prima facie evidence that a naturalized citizen obtained citizenship fraudulently. This allows for the revocation of their naturalization and cancellation of their citizenship certificate, effective from the original date.
Section 4.
Establishment of American Citizenship Integrity Interagency Task Force
This section mandates the establishment of an interagency task force, co-chaired by the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security, within 180 days of enactment. Its duties include coordinating investigations and prosecutions of birth tourism fraud, developing guidance for officers, coordinating with foreign governments, and submitting annual reports to Congress on related activities, statistics, and policy recommendations.
Section 5, amending Section 542 of title 28, United States Code.
Designated Assistant U.S. Attorneys for Birth Tourism Cases
This section requires the Attorney General, in consultation with U.S. Attorneys, to appoint a dedicated assistant U.S. attorney in each judicial district. These designated attorneys will coordinate and supervise investigations and prosecutions related to the new birth tourism trafficking offense (18 U.S.C. 1430), false statements related to birth tourism inadmissibility (18 U.S.C. 1546), and denaturalization proceedings under the new provisions (8 U.S.C. 1451(d)).