Washington—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding reports that the Department of State is denying American citizenship to certain children of American citizens abroad:

“I’m outraged by the State Department’s denial of U.S. citizenship to some children of American citizens born abroad, primarily those of same-sex couples and those who have sought medical assistance to conceive children.  This is unconscionable.  It may also be illegal.  A federal judge recently ruled that the State Department’s imposition of a biological requirement is a “strained interpretation” of existing law.  I call on the State Department to immediately end this shameful discrimination and treat all families with dignity and equality.”

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