This week, a significant legal decision took place. Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, appointed by President Biden and originally from Trinidad and Tobago, blocked a federal effort to verify voter citizenship using the SAVE database. This happened just months before the midterm elections.
At her confirmation hearing in March 2024, Judge Sooknanan pledged to renounce her Trinidad and Tobago citizenship. Reports now suggest she has not done so. This situation raises questions about her qualifications and the implications of her ruling.
This instance is less about one ruling or one judge and more about a broader issue. Judge Sooknanan is one among several foreign-born officials serving in government roles. Names like Ilhan Omar, Shri Thanedar, and Pramila Jayapal come to mind as examples of officials who may have divided loyalties.
In response, I have introduced two resolutions aiming to reform this situation. The first proposes a constitutional amendment that mandates all members of Congress, federal judges, and Senate-confirmed officers to be natural-born American citizens. This would extend the requirement already in place for the president and vice president.
Our goal is to ensure that those creating laws and representing America should hold undivided loyalty to the country. The second resolution goes further, suggesting an amendment that disallows those with any form of foreign allegiance from holding these critical roles unless they sever those ties permanently.
If Judge Sooknanan has not renounced her foreign citizenship, these resolutions would disqualify her from the bench. The same applies to any official whose loyalty might be split between their birth country and the United States.
This issue is about maintaining national security and respecting the dedication of natural-born citizens who have built and defended this country. Other nations protect their integrity and government fiercely. America should too.
Critics have labeled these initiatives as racist or xenophobic. However, when foreign-born officials consistently show that they do not prioritize America, it becomes reasonable to question their positions in government.
This is about respecting and serving our country without divided loyalties. From start to finish, every representative’s duty is to the American people. It is not about remaining passive while foreign interests potentially dominate our governance.
The American public deserves leaders dedicated to their nation. Our resolutions offer Congress the means to address this. The question now is whether they will act to close this potential gap in our Constitution for good.
Nancy Mace is a Republican representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. The views expressed here are hers alone.