WHEREAS the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) to permit foreign born adopted children to acquire automatic United States citizenship upon certain conditions.

WHEREAS, foreign born adopted children became United States citizens automatically when at least one parent is a United States citizen, the child is adopted under 16 years of age, the child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the parent having United States citizenship, and the adoption of that child has been finalized, and all legal requirements applicable to adopted children comply with the provisions set forth in section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

WHEREAS, despite automatic United States citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, foreign born adopted children are not considered natural born citizens of the United States under the United States Constitution and as such, cannot be afforded certain inalienable rights and privileges available to natural born citizens under the United States Constitution including but not limited to being eligible to pursue the Office of President of the United States.

WHEREAS, the purpose of the natural born citizen clause in the United States Constitution is to protect the nation from foreign influence and ensure absolute loyalty and attachment to the principles of the Constitution.

WHEREAS, there are more than 250,000 foreign born adopted children in the United States whom are United States citizens that are being raised as Americans, educated as Americans and bear true faith and allegiance to the United States just like natural born citizens. 

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts speaking through its legislature hereby petitions the United States Congress  to enact legislation allowing foreign born adopted children that satisfy the requirements under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 to be considered  natural born citizens so that they can be afforded the same inalienable rights and privileges extended to all other citizens of the United States pursuant to the United States Constitution.