Texas Rep. Brian Harrison Demands State Halt Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens After Supreme Court Ruling

The lawmakers argue that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which they say affirms states' rights to determine citizenship documentation, provides the legal basis for Texas to stop issuing such certificates. They contend that current practice grants automatic birthright citizenship to children of non-citizens, which they believe is contrary to federal law.

In their letter, the legislators propose legislation that would require proof of parental citizenship before a birth certificate is issued. They also ask for an expedited review of existing certificates to identify any that were issued to non-citizen parents.

Governor Abbott has not yet responded publicly to the request. Under Texas law, only the governor can call a special session, which would be needed to consider the matter before the regular legislative session convenes in January.

The move has drawn criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship and that such a measure would be unconstitutional. Legal experts are divided on the Supreme Court ruling's implications for state-level birth certificate policies.