In the face of a newly proposed Republican resolution aimed at preventing foreign-born individuals from serving in Congress, Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, seemed unfazed. When questioned by Fox News Digital about her thoughts on this potential legislation, Omar simply responded, “Good luck to her.”
The proposal, spearheaded by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, was unveiled on Wednesday. Mace’s initiative seeks to introduce a constitutional amendment that would mandate all members of Congress, federal judges, and Senate-confirmed officers to be natural-born citizens. This requirement is already in place for the offices of the president and vice president of the United States.
Rep. Mace notably highlighted specific members of Congress, including Omar, in her announcement. She took to the platform X to reveal her “long overdue” joint resolution, naming Omar alongside Shri Thanedar and Pramila Jayapal. Mace pointed out that all three lawmakers were born outside the United States and became citizens later in life, suggesting that their loyalty does not lie with America.
Among those singled out, Omar, who hails from Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000, was specifically mentioned by Mace. This proposed amendment has sparked discussions about the implications of such a restriction and its alignment with American values of diversity and inclusion.
Omar was one of three targets that Mace specifically pointed out when she posted to X on Wednesday to announce her new “long overdue” joint resolution. Omar was born in Somalia and became a naturalized citizen in 2000.
“Ilhan Omar. Shri Thanedar. Pramila Jayapal,” Mace posted to X “All born in foreign countries, none were citizens by birth. All sitting in the United States Congress. All making clear every single day their loyalty is not to America.”
There are currently 26 individuals serving as members of Congress that are not natural-born citizens â 19 Democrats and seven Republicans.
Omar told Fox News Digital that she is not concerned about this legislation having the legs to pass.
“If you hold power in the American government, you should be a natural-born American citizen,” Mace told Fox News Digital in a statement. “For too long we have allowed foreign-born members to hold seats in this government, while making clear their loyalty is not here. We see it every day.”
Changing the Constitution is not an easy feat, requiring approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate before an additional ratification of three-fourths of US states.
The proposal has not yet drawn widespread public backing from House GOP leadership or any large group of Republican co-sponsors.
Omar was also asked about Rep. Randy Fineâs, R-Fla., “Disqualifying Dual Loyalty Act,” which he introduced in October. This legislation would ban anyone from serving in Congress who has dual citizenship in another country. It would force individuals to renounce their foreign citizenship in order to serve or be considered for Congress.
“Whoâs that?” Omar said when asked about Fineâs proposed legislation.
“I think itâs a fair argument to say you can only swear allegiance to one country, and if youâre in Congress, that allegiance should be to America,” Fine said in a statement. “This bill ensures that the people making laws for our citizens are themselves fully committed to our country, not divided between two.”
Fineâs legislation has not shown significant movement in Congress since being referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary last year.
