The Democratic National Committee (DNC) on August 15, 2026, approved a resolution categorically rejecting legislation introduced by Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith of Virginia that seeks to restrict automatic U.S. citizenship by birth in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.

The measure was ratified during the DNC Summer Meeting in Austin, Texas, after previously being approved by the party’s Resolutions Committee. The initiative was introduced by Luis Dávila Pernas, president of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico and a DNC member, with the support of 62 Democratic co-sponsors, including state and territorial leaders.

What Did the DNC Reject?

The resolution opposes federal bill H.R. 9724, known as the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,  introduced by Griffith in July 2026. The proposal would deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other unincorporated territories if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

According to the DNC, this type of legislation highlights the vulnerability of the rights of residents living in U.S. territories under the current territorial system and underscores the need for a definitive resolution to Puerto Rico’s political status.

The resolution states that the party opposes any initiative that seeks to “diminish, restrict, redefine, or call into question” the citizenship or constitutional rights of individuals born in Puerto Rico or any other U.S. territory.

Status Debate Reaffirmed

In addition to rejecting the Republican proposal, the DNC reaffirmed its support for the Puerto Rico Status Act, legislation that would establish a federally binding self-determination process offering voters a choice among statehood, independence, and sovereign free association. The bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2022 but did not become law.

The resolution argues that statehood is the only status option that would permanently guarantee equal constitutional rights, full political representation in the federal government, and the permanence of U.S. citizenship on equal terms with citizens residing in the states.

Statements by Dávila Pernas

In announcing the resolution’s approval, Dávila Pernas said that Puerto Ricans deeply value their American citizenship but warned that, as long as Puerto Rico remains a territory, that citizenship is based on federal statute and remains subject to congressional authority.

“The bill seeking to limit birthright citizenship in the territories demonstrates that the risk of losing it is real and not merely theoretical,” the Puerto Rican Democratic leader said in defense of the resolution.