To clarify United States birthright citizenship laws in the territories and combat foreign nationals who are seeking citizenship in the United States territories.
Key claim: HR9724 would clarify U.S. birthright citizenship laws in the territories and restrict foreign nationals seeking citizenship through births in those territories.
Abstract
(HR9724 · 119th Congress) Latest action (2026-07-16): Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Why this matters
Citizenship in U.S. territories rests largely on statute rather than the Fourteenth Amendment, making legislative proposals like HR9724 potentially more consequential in territories than analogous efforts on the mainland. If enacted, the bill could alter who acquires citizenship at birth in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and CNMI, affecting families of noncitizen residents and visitors and raising questions about equal treatment across U.S. jurisdictions.