What does Preamble of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This bill proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act. The proposed changes aim to strengthen requirements for naturalization. It would mandate instruction on the oath of allegiance and the principles of the Constitution. The bill intends to establish consequences for fraud and concealment within the naturalization process.

What does FINDINGS. of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section outlines Congressional findings on American citizenship American citizenship is considered membership in the American political community Naturalization is a formal act of allegiance to the United States, not a ministerial transaction Applicants for naturalization must demonstrate good moral character and attachment to the Constitution The oath of allegiance is a formal promise to renounce prior political allegiance and pledge true faith to the United States

What does PURPOSES. of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This Act aims to reinforce the significance of naturalization as a commitment to becoming an American citizen. It seeks to re-establish American citizenship as a bond involving allegiance, constitutional attachment, civic duty, and national membership. The Act intends to strengthen requirements related to civics, English proficiency, and constitutional understanding for naturalization applicants. It aims to ensure applicants comprehend the oath of allegiance before naturalization. The Act seeks to prevent individuals involved in terrorism, violent activities, or foreign power influence from obtaining citizenship. It proposes consequences for those who engage in fraud or abuse within the naturalization process. The Act intends to promote a renewed national commitment to American citizenship and civic responsibility around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

What does DEFINITIONS. of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. The term 'alien' is defined by reference to section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. An 'applicant' is defined as an alien applying for naturalization under Title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The definition of 'foreign power' includes foreign governments, factions, entities controlled by foreign governments, foreign security services, designated terrorist organizations, and transnational criminal organizations. A 'material fact' is any fact that could influence decisions related to naturalization eligibility or other immigration matters. The 'naturalization process' encompasses various steps related to naturalization, including applications, interviews, and oath ceremonies. The 'Secretary' is defined as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The term 'material support' is defined by reference to section 2339A(b) of Title 18, United States Code. The definition of 'terrorist activity' is based on section 212(a)(3)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The definition of 'terrorist organization' references section 212(a)(3)(B)(vi) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

What does STRENGTHENING CIVICS AND ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section amends Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423) to strengthen requirements for naturalization. The English language requirement is modified to require a 'sufficient understanding' including the ability to read, write, speak, and understand ordinary English, including the oath of allegiance. The civics requirement is updated to include 'a substantial knowledge and understanding' of U.S. history, principles of government, constitutional structure, and civic obligations. The naturalization examination will now include questions on topics such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and civic duties. The examination must be administered in English, with limited exceptions. Applicants must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions to pass. At least 50 percent of the questions must relate to the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, government structure, or the oath of allegiance. The Secretary is required to revise and publish naturalization examination materials within 180 days of the America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act's enactment. The Secretary must review and revise examination materials at least once every four years. The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress detailing waivers, examination failures, and recommendations for improvement.

What does ATTACHMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CONSTITUTION AND ALLEGIANCE of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to add requirements for attachment to the principles of the Constitution and allegiance to the United States. An applicant may not be regarded as attached to the principles of the Constitution if they engage in or support terrorism, overthrow of the government, or other unlawful activities. The section also clarifies that certain activities, such as protected speech and lawful association, may not be used as grounds for denying an application for naturalization.

What does INSTRUCTION ON THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section amends Section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require instruction on the oath of allegiance before its administration. Applicants for naturalization must receive instruction in English regarding the meaning of the oath, covering topics such as allegiance to the United States, renunciation of prior allegiances, and duties to support the Constitution. Applicants must certify, under penalty of perjury, that they received instruction, understand the oath, are willing to take it freely, and understand the consequences of false statements. Waivers, modifications, and accommodations to the oath requirements are permitted, and the Secretary must provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The amendments apply to oaths of allegiance administered 180 days after the Act's enactment.

What does CONSEQUENCES FOR FRAUD, CONCEALMENT, FALSE STATEMENTS, AND of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish consequences for fraud, concealment, false statements, and abuse of the naturalization process. It mandates denial of naturalization applications if an applicant knowingly makes false statements, conceals facts, submits fraudulent documents, or engages in other obstructive conduct. Applicants engaging in serious naturalization fraud or concealment, particularly involving terrorism, espionage, or other serious crimes, face a permanent bar to naturalization. Other material fraud or concealment results in a 10-year bar from naturalization. Withdrawal or correction of an application after detection does not cure fraudulent conduct. The Secretary is required to refer credible evidence of fraud to various federal agencies for investigation. An alien denied naturalization under this section may be treated as a priority for removal. Aliens denied naturalization are generally ineligible for discretionary immigration benefits during their period of ineligibility, with certain exceptions.

What does PRESERVATION OF DENATURALIZATION AUTHORITIES. of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section preserves denaturalization authorities under the Immigration and Nationality Act. It clarifies that certain conduct may be evidence for denaturalization proceedings. The section does not require or limit grounds for denaturalization under existing law.

What does CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR NATURALIZATION FRAUD AND FALSE of America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act do?

This section amends sections 1425, 1015, and 274C(e)(1) of the United States Code and the Immigration and Nationality Act. It establishes criminal penalties for naturalization fraud and false statements, including fines and imprisonment. The penalties vary based on the nature of the offense, with enhanced penalties for offenses related to terrorism, drug trafficking, or transnational criminal activity. Offenses under this section can result in imprisonment of up to 25 years if committed to facilitate international terrorism. Any documents, things of value, or proceeds obtained through offenses under this section are subject to forfeiture. A conviction under this section is deemed to involve moral turpitude, fraud, and obstruction of the naturalization process. The fines for document fraud under the Immigration and Nationality Act are increased. The term 'transnational criminal activity' is defined as activity carried out by or in coordination with a transnational criminal organization. This section clarifies that it does not limit the United States' authority to pursue various remedies, including denaturalization and removal.

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America First Citizenship and Allegiance Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Eric Schmitt (R-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill strengthens naturalization requirements by mandating instruction on the oath of allegiance and principles of the Constitution.
It raises the bar for demonstrating attachment to the principles of the Constitution, prohibiting naturalization for those who support terrorism or seek to overthrow the government.
The bill increases the rigor of the naturalization examination, requiring a minimum score of 80% with a significant focus on U.S. history, government, and civic duties.
It establishes stricter penalties, including permanent or 10-year bars to naturalization, for fraud, concealment, or false statements during the naturalization process.
The bill establishes the 'America 250 Citizenship Initiative' to revise and strengthen naturalization materials in connection with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, findings., and 14 more.

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