An immigrant made it to Congress. Now her colleague wants to ban naturalized citizens from office.

An immigrant made it to Congress. Now her colleague wants to ban naturalized citizens from office.

Rep. Ilhan Omar is running for re-election as Rep. Nancy Mace pushes a plan to ban foreign-born citizens from federal office.

What does it mean to be a true citizen in the land of the free? A new political fight in Washington is forcing Americans to ask who gets a voice in their own government.

Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has filed the papers to run for another term in Congress.

At the same time, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina is pushing to change the U.S. Constitution.

Mace wants a new rule to stop naturalized citizens from serving in federal office. She pointed at Omar, accusing her of having a foreign allegiance.

What the proposals show

• Rep. Ilhan Omar came to the U.S. as a refugee and became a citizen in 2000.
• Rep. Nancy Mace wants to block naturalized citizens from federal office.
• The plan would affect Congress, federal judges, and top executive jobs.
• Changing the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote in Congress and approval from 38 states.
• Omar has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019.

The Bigger Question

This fight goes deeper than just two lawmakers. It asks if a person who chose to become an American is less loyal than someone born here.

If we tell millions of citizens they can vote but cannot lead, what does that do to our country?

The Other Side

Mace argues that the rule is about safety. She says people born in other countries might have split loyalties that hurt America.

However, there is no proof that naturalized citizens in office have harmed the country. The bill has very little support in Congress right now.

What Happens Now

For now, Omar will keep running for her seat in Minnesota. The debate will likely fire up voters on both sides as election day gets closer.

It could also make immigrant communities feel less welcome in public life.

What We Still Don't Know

• Will any other lawmakers support Mace's plan to change the Constitution?
• How will voters in Minnesota react to these attacks on Omar's background?
• Will this debate make it harder for immigrants to run for local office?