By David N. Harding, Staff Writer
America’s Constitution demands that the President be a natural-born citizen—a requirement rooted in the need for undivided national allegiance. The logic is clear: our commander-in-chief must never have owed loyalty to another country. But if the presidency demands such allegiance, why doesn’t Congress?
With every passing year, the legislative branch assumes more power—controlling the budget, immigration, military policy, foreign aid, and judicial confirmations. Yet unlike the presidency, members of Congress may be foreign-born citizens who once pledged loyalty to other nations. This isn’t just an oversight. It’s a threat to national sovereignty.
Congress Wields Global Influence—And Must Be Held Accountable
Members of Congress aren’t just lawmakers; they are gatekeepers of national destiny. They vote on international treaties, decide whether to declare war, control immigration laws, and shape foreign policy that affects billions of dollars in global aid and defense.
And yet, under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, any naturalized citizen who has lived in the country for seven years (House) or nine years (Senate) may serve in Congress (Congressional Research Service). While this made sense in a young, growing America, the modern world—with cyber warfare, ideological subversion, and divided loyalties—demands stricter protections.
The Risk of Divided Loyalties Is Real
Contrary to popular belief, the United States allows dual citizenship, and many naturalized citizens retain ties—both legal and emotional—to their countries of origin (Migration Policy Institute). While that may not pose a problem for everyday Americans, it can raise red flags when those individuals are shaping national defense policy or voting on international sanctions.
Can someone truly put America first if their loyalties are split? Can we guarantee that they will side with American interests when international pressure mounts?
Case Study: Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
Born in Somalia and later naturalized as a U.S. citizen, Rep. Ilhan Omar has often made statements that appear openly hostile to American institutions and values.
-
She infamously described the September 11 terrorist attacks as “some people did something” during a 2019 CAIR speech—language that many interpreted as dismissive of the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives (Washington Post).
-
In June 2021, Omar appeared to equate the U.S. and Israel with Hamas and the Taliban, saying: “We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban” (The Hill).
-
Despite backlash, Omar doubled down, framing her remarks as “seeking justice for all victims of crimes against humanity”—a morally relativistic argument that alarmed both Democrats and Republicans.
Statements like these raise fundamental questions: Does Rep. Omar see herself as a representative of American values or a critic of them? And should such individuals have the power to shape our nation’s future?
Case Study: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)
Born in India and now representing Washington state, Rep. Jayapal is another example of a foreign-born lawmaker whose views often contradict the constitutional framework she has sworn to uphold.
-
Jayapal has called for the abolition of ICE, the U.S. agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws, calling it “inherently cruel” (NPR).
-
She has also publicly questioned the legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court, calling it an “anti-majoritarian institution” and supporting efforts to pack the Court in response to decisions she disagrees with (The Guardian).
These are not mere political disagreements—they are ideological challenges to America’s founding institutions by individuals who were not born under their protections.
This Is About Allegiance, Not Heritage
Critics may try to label this discussion as xenophobic, but that’s a false accusation designed to shut down legitimate debate. America is—and always has been—a land of opportunity for immigrants. But some positions should be reserved for those whose loyalty has never been in question.
This isn’t about race, religion, or heritage—it’s about exclusive and lifelong allegiance to the United States of America.
America Must Set a Higher Bar for Its Lawmakers
Many of our geopolitical rivals—China, Russia, Iran—would never allow foreign-born individuals to serve in key government roles. In fact, most restrict dual citizenship for precisely the reasons we’re now confronting. If the president must be a natural-born citizen to lead the nation, then those who write its laws must meet that same standard.
Amending the Constitution is no small task. But it’s not unprecedented. America has changed its founding document 27 times—not to tear it down, but to reinforce its integrity. Requiring that members of Congress be natural-born citizens is not a threat to democracy—it is a defense of it.
Conclusion: Allegiance Is Not Negotiable
As the world grows more dangerous, and global ideologies challenge our national identity, America must decide whether it will protect the foundations of its Republic—or continue to erode them in the name of inclusivity.
Loyalty to the United States is not optional—it’s foundational.
#NaturalBornOnly #AmericaFirst #CongressReform #DefendTheConstitution #NationalSovereignty #LoyaltyMatters #ConservativeCompass #IlhanOmar #PramilaJayapal #SecureCongress #StopDualLoyalties
Add comment
Comments