Ohio Republican Senator introduces identical measure to 1993 Democratic bill, calls on GOP colleagues to eliminate the filibuster and pass it
Washington, D.C. — June 30, 2026
U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) announced he is filing legislation that would block automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are illegal immigrants. The bill is an exact replica of a measure originally introduced in 1993 by then-Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV).16
The move comes shortly after the Supreme Court upheld the current broad interpretation of birthright citizenship, which Moreno described on Fox News as a “Supreme gut punch.”
What the Legislation Would Do
The proposed bill clarifies the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause (“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens”). It would specify that children born to foreign nationals who are not lawful permanent residents (and who owe allegiance to another country) are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States at birth and therefore do not automatically receive U.S. citizenship.
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This targets the practice often referred to as “birthright citizenship” or “anchor babies” for children of illegal immigrants and temporary visitors.
Roots in Harry Reid’s 1993 Bill
The legislation Moreno is filing mirrors language from S.1351, the Immigration Stabilization Act of 1993, sponsored by Sen. Harry Reid. That bill included a specific provision (Sec. 1001) titled “Basis of Citizenship Clarified.” It stated that a person born in the U.S. after the bill’s enactment to a mother who was neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident — and who held or was entitled to citizenship in another country — would not be considered subject to U.S. jurisdiction under the 14th Amendment.17
Reid argued at the time that offering automatic citizenship rewarded illegal immigration and strained public resources. He later distanced himself from the provision.
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Moreno’s Strong Message to Colleagues
In his announcement, Moreno emphasized the bill’s Democratic origins:
“ELIMINATE THE FILIBUSTER and get this done!”
“THE IDENTICAL BILL.”
“If they choose to reject a bill by THEIR MAJORITY LEADER… I think my GOP colleagues, we have to recognize the Democrats want to systematically destroy this country!”
“One point [clarified] birthright citizenship does not apply to foreign parents.”
He tagged his own account (@berniemoreno) in the statement shared widely on X.
Broader Context: Recent SCOTUS Ruling and Immigration Debate
The announcement follows a Supreme Court decision upholding the traditional expansive reading of birthright citizenship. Critics argue the current policy incentivizes illegal immigration and “birth tourism,” while supporters say it is a core constitutional principle dating back to the post-Civil War era.
Other Republican-led efforts in the 119th Congress, such as the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 (H.R. 569), have sought similar limits by redefining “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”
Potential Impact and Next Steps
If passed, the bill would apply prospectively and would not retroactively affect existing citizens. Proponents say it would reduce incentives for illegal border crossings and ease pressure on schools, hospitals, and welfare systems.
Passage faces significant hurdles. Changing birthright citizenship policy through statute (rather than a constitutional amendment) remains legally contested, and the Senate filibuster would likely require 60 votes to overcome Democratic opposition.
Moreno’s call to “eliminate the filibuster” echoes ongoing conservative frustration with Senate rules blocking priority legislation.
Political Reactions
Conservative voices on X quickly praised the move as a smart strategy that uses Democrats’ own past position against them. Some called it long overdue, while others urged immediate action over further debate.
Democrats are expected to strongly oppose the measure, viewing birthright citizenship as a fundamental constitutional right.
This development highlights a rare moment of historical continuity in the immigration debate, as a Republican senator revives a Democratic proposal from three decades ago amid heightened national focus on border security and citizenship policy.
Stay tuned for updates as Moreno formally introduces the bill and the Senate responds.
