MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A new bill in the Alabama Legislature aims to make it illegal for naturalized citizens to hold many state and local constitutional offices, including governor, state legislators, judges, and sheriffs. The legislation, pre-filed ahead of the 2026 session as Senate Bill 21, would require candidates to be natural-born U.S. citizens, sparking heated debate about its fairness and constitutionality.
The bill’s backers, including Secretary of State Wes Allen and State Sen. Donnie Chesteen, say it mirrors the U.S. Constitution’s natural-born requirement for the presidency and is intended to protect the state from foreign influence. But critics warn that it is an unprecedented move that creates a troubling tiered citizenship system and violates the core American ideal of equal rights under the law.
Alabama currently allows naturalized citizens to run for most offices, with varied citizenship duration requirements depending on the position. Restricting eligibility to only natural-born citizens risks alienating thousands of residents who have gone through the legal path to citizenship and are deeply invested in serving their communities.
The timing of the bill aligns with a broader national trend among some Republican lawmakers of scapegoating immigrants and minority groups, often inflaming racial and cultural divisions. Experts say this strategy stokes fear and distrust for political gain, diverting attention from more pressing issues challenging Alabama and the country.
Historically, debates over who is considered a “true American” have resurged during times of uncertainty. But modern America has always been defined by inclusion and opportunity, welcoming immigrants who strengthen the social and economic fabric.
If passed by Alabama’s Legislature with a supermajority, the measure would be put before voters in November 2026. Legal experts predict a likely constitutional challenge, citing the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal rights regardless of birth status.
This bill raises fundamental questions about what it means to be an American and serves as a stark example of how fears and political calculations can undermine the values of equality and fairness that have long been central to the nation’s identity.