RRB Guidance Regarding Implementation of Executive Order 14418, Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) issues this public guidance in accordance with section 3(b) of Executive Order 14418, Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship (Aug. 6, 2026), to explain how the RRB will implement the direction in the Executive Order. Section 2 of the Executive Order directs agencies to not issue or accept documents purporting to recognize United States citizenship regarding persons when neither parent of the person is a United States citizen and other specified criteria are present. The RRB does not issue citizenship documents. However, as part of its benefit programs, the RRB inspects documents including birth certificates, passports, and immigration documents to ensure eligibility for benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA).
Section 1611(b)(4) of Title 8 of the United States Code permits payment of RRA and RUIA benefits to aliens who are lawfully present in the United States and to aliens residing outside the United States, if such individuals meet all other eligibility criteria. Accordingly, in any case where the RRB is presented with an applicant’s birth certificate that lists the applicant’s parents’ places of birth outside of the United States, or is presented with other documentary proof indicating the applicant’s parents are not United States citizens, that application will be subject to further verification, including by consulting with the Department of Homeland Security or other designated departments or agencies, to ensure compliance with the Executive Order and federal law before payment of benefits is made.