Right to Democracy Invites Territorial Communities and Diaspora to Respond to Federal Efforts to End Citizenship at Birth

The recent introduction of the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” H.R. 9724, has raised a lot of questions – and misconceptions – across the community. Right to Democracy, which advocates for democracy and self-determination in U.S. territories, is seeking to address those questions in an FAQ that examines what the new legislation could mean for people born in U.S. territories and the historical and constitutional foundations of birthright citizenship. The organization has also put out a survey, seeking the input of the communities that would be impacted by the legislation. 

“We want to hear directly from the people most affected by this proposal,” said Neil Weare, Co-Director of Right to Democracy. “This is not an abstract legal debate. It is about whether Congress or the President have the power to unilaterally decide that children born under U.S. sovereignty will no longer be citizens.” Weare added, “The proposed legislation is poorly crafted and written, increasing uncertainty about its impacts. All of which makes understanding its details even more important.” 

“This bill has caused much concern, confusion and even debate,” said Adi Martínez-Román, Co-Director of Right to Democracy. “Being such a complex and sensitive topic, we want to help clarify the legal and historical context. Hearing directly from people in the community and taking into account their perspectives will help us to strategize more effectively against this federal overreach.”

The full FAQ is available at https://www.righttodemocracy.us/birthright_citizenship_faq. 

Right to Democracy encourages anyone born in a U.S. territory, whether still living there or having moved stateside, to also take its short 3-5 minute survey at https://www.righttodemocracy.us/citizenship_survey. All information provided will be kept confidential. 

Right to Democracy brings together people across the political-status spectrum to confront the undemocratic colonial framework governing the U.S. territories and advance a future grounded in democracy, equity, and self-determination.

For more information, contact Neil Weare at [email protected] or 202-365-7427.