Reschenthaler Introduces Bill to Stop Chinese Communist Partisans from Becoming U.S. Citizens
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) introduced the End Chinese Communist Citizenship Act, legislation which would prevent members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from obtaining green cards.
"The CCP continues to engage in aggressive and reckless behavior on the global stage, including stealing American intellectual property, violating international trade laws, committing heinous human rights abuses, and more recently, failing to act and responsibly share information that could have contained the deadly COVID-19 pandemic," said Reschenthaler. "It is clear members of the CCP do not share our American ideals and values. We should not permit them to enjoy all of the privileges that come with being an American citizen."
The Immigration and Nationality Act currently prohibits an immigrant who has been "a member of or affiliated with the Communist or any other totalitarian party" from receiving a green card. However, this statute is vague and unclear as to which Communist party membership it actually applies.
The End Chinese Communist Citizenship Act would add "Chinese Communist Party or its successor" to the list of immigrants prohibited from becoming U.S. citizens. This will provide necessary clarity for consular officers to ensure no members of the CCP obtain green cards. Additionally, the bill eliminates two current exemptions to the citizenship ban - an exemption if an individual terminated membership with the party and an exemption if an individual is related to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
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