Contact Congress about H.J.Res. 172: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect United States citizenship.

Some children born in the United States would no longer become citizens at birth. At least one parent would need a listed legal tie to the country or active-duty military service.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect United States citizenship. is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Latest action on H.J.Res. 172: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Who this affects: This proposal mainly affects children born in the United States whose parents do not fit one of the three listed groups. It also affects mixed-status families, including families in which each parent has a different immigration status. Hospitals and government offices may need to check and record a parent's status before treating a newborn as a citizen.

Why this matters: The proposal could leave some children born and raised in the United States without U.S. citizenship. Citizenship would depend more on a parent's legal status or military service. Families, hospitals, and government offices could also face new paperwork and status checks. Because this would change the Constitution, fixing later problems would be much harder than changing an ordinary law.

Key provisions in H.J.Res. 172

• Changes the meaning of a key phrase in the Fourteenth Amendment's rule for citizenship at birth. The phrase is “under U.S. authority,” often written as “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.”
• A U.S.-born child would qualify only if at least one parent fits one of three groups. The parent must be a U.S. citizen or national, a green card holder living in the country, or a lawfully present non-citizen on active military duty.
• A child born in the United States would not get citizenship automatically if neither parent fits a listed group.
• Congress could pass laws that explain and carry out the new citizenship rule.
• Three-fourths of state legislatures must approve the amendment within seven years after Congress sends it to the states.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.J.Res. 172

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.J.Res. 172

What is H.J.Res. 172?

Some children born in the United States would no longer become citizens at birth. At least one parent would need a listed legal tie to the country or active-duty military service.

How do I support or oppose H.J.Res. 172?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.J.Res. 172?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.J.Res. 172?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.