Citizenship for International Adoptees Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill would amend federal immigration law to grant automatic U.S. citizenship to certain people who were adopted internationally as children but never obtained citizenship. To qualify, an individual must have been adopted by a U.S. citizen before age 18, lawfully entered the U.S. for adoption, met existing legal requirements for adopted children under immigration law, had a final adoption completed in the U.S. while in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent, not previously acquired citizenship, and been physically present in the U.S. on the date the law is enacted. Citizenship would take effect 120 days after enactment, with the Department of Homeland Security issuing certificates upon application. The bill also caps the application fee at no more than half the standard fee for citizenship certificates.
The bill affects adult adoptees who were brought to the U.S. as children through international adoption but, due to gaps in prior law, never became citizens. It excludes people with certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or other disqualifying factors, such as gang-related offenses, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or burglary convictions, with specific legal standards for how such exclusions are proven.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator Mike Lee, with Senator Rick Scott as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It would need committee consideration, floor votes in both chambers, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5191 do?
- This bill would amend federal immigration law to grant automatic U.S. citizenship to certain people who were adopted internationally as children but never obtained citizenship. To qualify, an individual must have been adopted by a U.S. citizen before age 18, lawfully entered the U.S. for adoption, met existing legal requirements for adopted children under immigration law, had a final adoption completed in the U.S. while in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent, not previously acquired citizenship, and been physically present in the U.S. on the date the law is enacted. Citizenship would take effect 120 days after enactment, with the Department of Homeland Security issuing certificates upon application. The bill also caps the application fee at no more than half the standard fee for citizenship certificates. The bill affects adult adoptees who were brought to the U.S. as children through international adoption but, due to gaps in prior law, never became citizens. It excludes people with certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or other disqualifying factors, such as gang-related offenses, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or burglary convictions, with specific legal standards for how such exclusions are proven. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator Mike Lee, with Senator Rick Scott as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It would need committee consideration, floor votes in both chambers, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has S. 5191 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, S. 5191 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5191?
- S. 5191 was sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee [R-UT] (Republican-UT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5191?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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