H.R. 449 Introduced Immigration

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large] Introduced January 15, 2025 Cosponsors 0 Latest action January 15, 2025

Summary

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jan 15, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  2. Jan 15, 2025 Introduced in House

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