Jayapal Statement on Hateful Mace Legislation to Ban Naturalized Citizens from Government Service

05.20.2026 | News Jayapal Statement on Hateful Mace Legislation to Ban Naturalized Citizens from Government Service WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding Representative Nancy Mace’s (SC-01) discriminatory constitutional amendment to ban naturalized citizens from serving in Congress. “Instead of working to help the American people, as so many cannot keep the lights on, keep food on the table, or pay their rent, Nancy Mace is instead introducing racist legislation that denies the very history of a country that has been proudly shaped by immigrants. This is also insulting to the hundreds of thousands of constituents who elected naturalized citizens into office. “With the exception of Native Americans, every person in this country – including Nancy Mace – is descended from immigrants. And America is made stronger by the people from across the world with diverse talents who come here to live and work. “My naturalization ceremony was one of the most meaningful days of my life. 26 years later, I have never forgotten that day as I stood with hundreds of people from across the world who had waited, in many cases decades, to become American citizens. This was a profound moment, as I felt the pride of my American citizenship. “This narrow-minded, xenophobic legislation has no place in Congress, and I call on all my colleagues — including my Republican colleagues who are naturalized citizens — to condemn this.” Share: Facebook Twitter Mail