F7

113^th Congress

1^st Session

H.R. 321

To allow all minors entering the United States of America to become full citizens of the country

In the House of Representatives of the United States

January 11^th, 2013

Ms. Thomson introduced the following bill; which was read and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement

A Bill

To allow minors entering the Unites State of America to become full citizens of the country

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of

America in Congress assembled

Section One: A Short Title

This act may be cited as the Citizenship Act.

Section Two: Findings and Purpose

a         a) Findings – Congress finds that –

1.     In 2011 the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. was estimated at 11.5 million

2.     In 2011 396, 906 illegal immigrants were removed from the U.S.

3.     Of those immigrants deported in 2011 45% had never been convicted of a felon or misdemeanor

4.     1.2 immigrants were deported under President Obama’s first term

5.     The 2011 Birthright Citizenship Act allows children born in the United States to be considered citizens, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status

6.     It is in the best interest of the nation to extend these citizenship rights to minors who enter the country in an attempt to give them all the opportunities that America is based upon

b      b) Purposes – The purposes of this Act are –

1.     Allow children entering the country to become full citizens of the United States with all the rights and privileges of all other citizens

2.     Facilitate the contribution of immigrants to their communities in a meaningful and substantial way

3.     Create the Future Americans program within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security

4.     Grant the Future Americans Program with the ability to grant citizenship to anyone entering the country under the age of eighteen

Section Three: Definitions

            In this Act:

1.     Immigrant – the term “immigrant” means a person who moves from one country to another intending permanent residence

2.     Illegal Alien – the term “illegal alien” means a foreigner who enters or resides in a country without that country’s authorization or permission

3.     Citizenship – the term “citizenship” means the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen

4.     Citizen – the term “citizen” means a member of a nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection

5.     Minor – the term “minor” means a person under the age of eighteen

Section Four: The Future Americans Program

1        1. In general – there is established a program that shall be known as the Future Americans Program designed to naturalize minors entering the United States as illegal aliens

a.     Staffing

                                               i.     The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services retain the right to appoint and dismiss staff to this program as they see fit under the supervision of their superiors in the Department of Homeland Security

1.     Staff shall be appointed to begin function of the program ninety days following the enactment of this Act

b.     Funding

                                               i.     The budget of the Department of Homeland Security shall be adjusted accordingly to allow for the creation of this new program

Section Five: Powers  and Duties of the Future Americans Program

1      1. The Program shall allow minors entering the United States to register to become citizens of the country

a.   Six months following entry to the country minors shall have the opportunity to become citizens
b. Before citizenship is granted all applicants shall present proof of residency and shall undergo a background check to ensure that there is no criminal activity or intent

Section Six: Authorization of Appropriations

1      1. The budget for the Future Americans Program shall be overseen by the Department of Homeland Security

2      2. A small fee shall be charged at registration which shall assist in the acquiring money necessary to fund the program

Section Seven: Enactment

1        This bill shall become effective on the first of January 2014