This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that Representatives, Senators, federal judges, and certain other high-ranking U.S. officials be natural born citizens. Currently, the Constitution only requires the President to be a natural born citizen, while allowing naturalized citizens to serve in Congress and most other federal positions. If passed by two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate, the amendment would need ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years to become law. The restrictions on Representatives and Senators would take effect on January 3rd of the first odd-numbered year after ratification, while restrictions on judges and diplomatic/cabinet-level positions requiring Senate confirmation would take effect six months after ratification. This measure would narrow the pool of eligible candidates for these offices by excluding all naturalized citizens, regardless of how long they have been U.S. citizens or their qualifications for office.
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