Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a constitutional amendment to bar foreign-born individuals from serving in Congress and the federal judiciary [1].
The proposal intensifies a public conflict between Mace and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), highlighting deep partisan divisions over the role of naturalized citizens in U.S. government.
Mace filed the joint resolution on May 21, 2026 [1]. The move followed accusations from Mace that Omar is loyal to a foreign government and prioritizes the interests of Somalia over those of the U.S. [2]. This legislative push coincided with Mace's campaign for the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, which took place on June 13, 2026 [3].
Omar responded to the proposal with sarcasm. When asked about the amendment, Omar said, “Good luck to her” [4]. The tension between the two lawmakers escalated further on social media with a series of personal exchanges.
In one instance, Omar responded to a post by Mace regarding the death of Iran's supreme leader by writing, “She’s drunk” [5]. Other reports indicate Omar directed a “one-way ticket” jab toward the South Carolina representative during their digital dispute [6].
The conflict reflects a broader ideological clash regarding national identity and eligibility for high office. Mace's proposal seeks to fundamentally alter the requirements for federal service by excluding those not born in the U.S. [1]. Omar's reactions characterize the proposal as a political attack rather than a substantive policy shift.
While the amendment has been introduced, its path to becoming part of the U.S. Constitution remains steep, requiring significant bipartisan support, and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
““Ilhan Omar is loyal to a foreign government and puts the interests of Somalia above America’s,” Nancy Mace said.”
The introduction of this amendment marks an attempt to codify nativism into the U.S. Constitution, moving beyond political rhetoric to a formal legal effort to restrict the representation of naturalized citizens. By targeting the federal judiciary and Congress, the proposal challenges the legal status of several current and future lawmakers, signaling a shift toward more restrictive definitions of American civic eligibility.
