Nancy Mace Proposes Amendment Bar Naturalized Citizens From Congress

A South Carolina congresswoman has proposed a constitutional amendment that would bar naturalized U.S. citizens from serving in Congress, as federal judges, or in any Senate-confirmed role. Representative Nancy Mace introduced the joint resolution on Wednesday, arguing it would apply the same "natural born citizen" standard required for the presidency and vice presidency to other high offices.

Mace stated the amendment is necessary to ensure the loyalty of federal officials is solely to the United States. She specifically named three Democratic representatives—Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Shri Thanedar of Michigan, and Pramila Jayapal of Washington—as examples of foreign-born members of Congress whose allegiance she questions. According to official records, there are currently 26 House representatives and six senators who were born outside the United States but are U.S. citizens.

The proposal has drawn immediate criticism from targeted lawmakers. Representative Pramila Jayapal, born in India, condemned the resolution as "narrow-minded and xenophobic," stating it denies the nation's history as a country shaped by immigrants. She called on colleagues, including Republican naturalized...