tuan anh nguyen et al immigration naturalization service argued january decided june petitioner tuan anh nguyen born wedlock vietnam vietnamese citizen copetitioner joseph boulais citizen nguyen became lawful permanent resident age six raised boulais age nguyen pleaded guilty texas state two counts sexual assault child subsequently respondent immigration naturalization service initiated deportation proceedings based serious criminal offenses immigration judge ordered deportable boulais obtained order parentage state nguyen appeal pending board immigration appeals board dismissed appeal rejecting nguyen citizenship claim complied requirements one born wedlock abroad citizen father noncitizen mother appeal fifth circuit rejected petitioners claim violates equal protection providing different citizenship rules children born abroad wedlock depending whether citizen parent mother father held section consistent equal protection guarantee embedded fifth amendment due process clause pp child born abroad wedlock acquires birth nationality status citizen mother meets specified residency requirement however father citizen parent inter alia one three affirmative steps must taken child turns legitimization declaration paternity oath father order paternity failure satisfy section renders nguyen ineligible citizenship pp classification withstands equal protection scrutiny serves important governmental objectives discriminatory means employed substantially related achievement objectives virginia congress decision impose different requirements unmarried fathers unmarried mothers based significant difference respective relationships potential citizen time birth justified two important governmental interests pp first interest importance assuring biological relationship exists mother relation verifiable birth documented birth certificate hospital records witnesses birth however father need present birth presence incontrovertible proof fatherhood see lehr robertson fathers mothers similarly situated regard proof biological parenthood imposition different rules neither surprising troublesome constitutional perspective section provision three options designed ensure acceptable documentation paternity petitioners argue requirement father provide clear convincing evidence parentage sufficient achieve end establishing paternity given sophistication modern dna tests however section mandate dna testing moreover constitution require congress elect one particular mechanism among many possible methods establishing paternity represents reasonable legislative conclusion satisfaction one several alternatives suffice establish blood link required predicate child acquisition citizenship finally even facially neutral rule sometimes require fathers take additional affirmative steps required mothers whose names birth certificate result presence birth benefit witnesses birth call upon pp second governmental interest furthered determination ensure child citizen parent demonstrated opportunity develop relationship consists real everyday ties providing connection child citizen parent turn opportunity inheres event birth case citizen mother child result matter biological inevitability case unwed father may know child conceived mother may unsure father identity one concern context always young men duty armed forces foreign countries today ease travel willingness americans visit foreign countries resulted numbers trips abroad must real concern contemplating prospect mandating contrary congress wishes citizenship male parentage subject condition father residence country equal protection principles require congress ignore reality section takes unremarkable step ensuring opportunity inherent event birth relationship exists father child citizenship conferred upon latter interest importance profound satisfied dna test scientific proof biological paternity ensure contact child minority congress well within authority refusing absent proof opportunity relationship develop commit country embracing child citizen contrary petitioners argument embody stereotype nothing irrational improper recognizing moment birth critical event statutory scheme tradition citizenship law mother knowledge child fact parenthood established way guaranteed unwed father pp means congress chose substantially relate interest facilitating relationship first various statutory provisions addition require act linking child occur child turns second petitioners argument reflects stereotype women likely men actually establish required relationship misconceives governmental interest nature equal protection inquiry former congress chosen advance interest ensuring meaningful relationship every case enacted instead easily administered scheme promote different still substantial interest ensuring opportunity relationship develop petitioners argument confuses equal protection inquiry means ends invalidated congress elected advance interest less demanding satisfy alternative even one conceives congress real interest establishment meaningful relationship almost axiomatic policy seeking foster opportunity meaningful bonds develop close substantial bearing governmental interest bond formation congress means substantial furtherance important governmental objective fit means end exceedingly persuasive see virginia supra pp section imposes minimal obligation least onerous three options must satisfied satisfied day birth next day next years section moreover sole means attaining citizenship child seek citizenship right rather via reliance parental ties statute satisfies equal protection scrutiny applied qualifications need consider whether confer citizenship terms specified congress assess implications statements earlier cases regarding wide deference afforded congress exercising immigration naturalization power pp affirmed kennedy delivered opinion rehnquist stevens scalia thomas joined scalia filed concurring opinion thomas joined filed dissenting opinion souter ginsburg breyer joined tuan anh nguyen joseph boulais petitioners immigration naturalization service writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit june justice kennedy delivered opinion case presents question resolved majority case us three terms ago see miller albright title governs acquisition citizenship persons born one citizen parent one noncitizen parent parents unmarried child born outside possessions statute imposes different requirements child acquisition citizenship depending upon whether citizen parent mother father question us whether statutory distinction consistent equal protection guarantee embedded due process clause fifth amendment petitioner tuan ahn nguyen born saigon vietnam september copetitioner joseph boulais vietnamese citizen boulais nguyen mother married boulais always citizen vietnam employ corporation nguyen mother ended relationship nguyen lived time family boulais new vietnamese girlfriend june nguyen almost six years age came became lawful permanent resident raised texas boulais nguyen pleaded guilty texas state two counts sexual assault child sentenced eight years prison count three years later immigration naturalization service ins initiated deportation proceedings nguyen alien convicted two crimes involving moral turpitude well aggravated felony see ii iii supp iv though later change position argue citizen nguyen testified deportation hearing citizen vietnam immigration judge found deportable nguyen appealed board immigration appeals matter pending father obtained order parentage state based dna testing time nguyen years old board dismissed nguyen appeal rejecting claim citizenship failed establish compliance sets forth requirements one born wedlock abroad citizen father noncitizen mother nguyen boulais appealed appeals fifth circuit arguing violates equal protection providing different rules attainment citizenship children born abroad wedlock depending upon whether one parent american citizenship mother father rejected constitutional challenge constitutionality distinction unwed fathers mothers argued miller ity resolve issue four justices two different opinions rejected challenge distinction two finding statute consistent fifth amendment see opinion stevens joined rehnquist two concluding confer citizenship remedy even statute violated equal protection see scalia joined thomas concurring judgment three justices reached contrary result found statue violative equal protection ginsburg joined souter breyer dissenting id breyer joined souter ginsburg dissenting finally two justices reach issue father determined child petitioner miller lacked standing raise equal protection rights father joined kennedy concurring judgment since miller courts appeal divided constitutionality compare case lake reno granted certiorari resolve conflict father case agree standing raise constitutional claim resolve hold consistent constitutional guarantee equal protection ii general requirement acquisition citizenship child born outside outlying possessions parents married one citizen alien set forth statute provides child also citizen birth citizen parent physically present total five years least two parent turned years age individual born circumstances save parents unwed sets forth following requirements father citizen parent mother alien blood relationship person father established clear convincing evidence father nationality time person birth father unless deceased agreed writing provide financial support person person reaches age years person age years person legitimated law person residence domicile father acknowledges paternity person writing oath paternity person established adjudication competent addition incorporates reference citizen parent residency requirement citizen parent child born abroad wedlock child mother requirements transmittal citizenship described notwithstanding provision subsection section person born december outside wedlock shall held acquired birth nationality status mother mother nationality time person birth mother previously physically present one outlying possessions continuous period one year section thus imposes set requirements children citizen fathers born abroad wedlock noncitizen mother imposed like circumstances citizen parent mother concede requirements relating citizen father acknowledgment child satisfied case need discuss however added nguyen birth nguyen falls within transitional rule allows elect application either current version statute version contained parallel see immigration nationality act amendments stat note following miller supra opinion stevens event ruling respecting dispositive case individual seeking citizenship must meet preconditions failure satisfy renders nguyen ineligible citize ship iii classification withstand equal protection scrutiny must established least challenged classification serves important governmental objectives discriminatory means employed substantially related achievement objectives virginia quoting mississippi univ women hogan turn quoting wengler druggists mut ins reasons follow conclude satisfies standard given determination need decide whether lesser degree scrutiny pertains statute implicates congress immigration naturalization power see miller explaining statute must subjected standard deferential congressional exercise immigration naturalization power ven heightened scrutiny normally governs gender discrimination claims applied context statute sustained citations omitted considering important governmental interests advanced statute two observations concerning operation provision order first citizen mother expecting child living abroad right child born amendment citizen one perspective statute simply ensures equivalence two expectant mothers citizens abroad one chooses reenter child birth chooses return means equivalence factor single citizen parent living abroad father unlike unmarried mother unmarried father general rule control child born second although requires certain conduct occur child citizen father born wedlock abroad reaches years age imposes limitations individual qualifies statute claim citizenship statutory treatment citizenship identical respect whether citizen parent mother father person born citizen parent either gender may assert citizenship assuming compliance statutory preconditions regardless age conditions necessary citizen mother transmit citizenship exist birth citizen fathers children years satisfy requirements see miller supra opinion stevens statutory distinction relevant case requires one three affirmative steps taken citizen parent father citizen parent mother legitimation declaration paternity oath father order paternity congress decision impose requirements unmarried fathers differ unmarried mothers based significant difference respective relationships potential citizen time birth specifically imposition requirement paternal relationship maternal one justified two important governmental objectives discuss turn first governmental interest served importance assuring biological relationship exists case mother relation verifiable birth mother status documented instances birth certificate hospital records witnesses attest given birth case father uncontestable fact need present birth present furthermore circumstance incontrovertible proof fatherhood see lehr robertson mother carries bears child sense parental relationship clear validity father parental claims must gauged quoting caban mohammed stewart dissenting trimble gordon serious problems proving paternity might justify demanding standard illegitimate children claiming fathers estates required mothers estates fathers mothers similarly situated regard proof biological parenthood imposition different set rules making legal determination respect fathers mothers neither surprising troublesome constitutional perspective cf cleburne cleburne living center explaining equal protection clause essentially direction persons similarly situated treated alike royster guano virginia section provision three options father seeking establish paternity legitimation paternity oath order paternity designed ensure acceptable documentation paternity petitioners argue requirement father provide clear convincing evidence parentage sufficient achieve end establishing paternity given sophistication modern dna tests brief petitioners section actually mandate dna test however constitution moreover require congress elect one particular mechanism among many possible methods establishing paternity even mechanism arguably might scientifically advanced method respect dna testing expense reliability availability testing various parts world may particular concern congress see miller supra opinion stevens requirement represents reasonable conclusion legislature satisfaction one several alternatives suffice establish blood link father child required predicate child acquisition citizenship cf lehr supra upholding new york statutory requirement gave mothers children born wedlock notice adoption hearing extended right fathers mailed postcard putative fathers registry given proof motherhood inherent birth unremarkable congress require affirmative steps mothers finally require congress speak without reference gender parent regard objective ensuring blood tie parent child insist hollow neutrality justice stevens pointed miller congress required mothers fathers prove parenthood within days matter years child birth given mother always present birth father need facially neutral rule sometimes require fathers take additional affirmative steps required mothers whose names appear birth certificate result presence birth benefit witnesses birth call upon issue use gender specific terms instead neutral ones neutral terms mask discrimination unlawful gender specific terms mark permissible distinction equal protection question whether distinction lawful use gender specific terms takes account biological difference parents differential treatment inherent sensible statutory scheme given unique relationship mother event birth second important governmental interest furthered substantial manner determination ensure child citizen parent demonstrated opportunity potential develop relationship recognized formal matter law one consists real everyday ties provide connection child citizen ent turn see opinion stevens case citizen mother child born overseas opportunity meaningful relationship citizen parent child inheres event birth event often critical constitutional statutory understandings citizenship mother knows child initial point contact least opportunity mother child develop real meaningful relationship opportunity result event birth matter biological inevitability case unwed father given interval conception birth always certain father know child conceived always clear even mother sure father identity fact takes particular significance case child born overseas wedlock one concern context always young people men part duty armed forces foreign countries see department defense selected manpower statistics reporting year nguyen born active duty military personnel female department defense selected manpower statistics noting military personnel stationed foreign countries department defense selected manpower statistics reporting active duty military personnel female noting military personnel stationed foreign countries turn conditions prevail today find passage time produced additional even substantial grounds justify statutory distinction ease travel willingness americans visit foreign countries resulted numbers trips abroad must real concern contemplate prospect accepting petitioners argument mandate contrary congress wishes citizenship male parentage subject condition save father previous length residence country alone americans made almost million trips abroad excluding trips canada mexico see dep commerce profile travelers overseas destinations visits canada mexico add figure almost million additional visits see dep commerce resident travel overseas countries historical visitation average american overseas traveler spent nights profile travelers overseas destinations supra principles equal protection require congress ignore reality contrary facts demonstrate critical importance government interest ensuring opportunity tie citizen father foreign born child reasonable substitute opportunity manifest mother child time birth indeed especially light number americans take short sojourns abroad prospect father might even know conception realistic possibility see miller supra opinion stevens even father knows fact conception moreover follow present birth child thus unlike case mother assurance father biological child ever meet without initial point contact child father knows child opportunity father child begin relationship section takes unremarkable step ensuring opportunity inherent event birth relationship exists father child citizenship conferred upon latter importance governmental interest issue profound satisfied merely conducting dna test fact paternity established even without father knowledge say presence paternity established taking dna samples even strands hair years birth see federal judicial center reference manual scientific evidence ed yet scientific proof biological paternity nothing ensure contact father child child minority congress well within authority refusing absent proof least opportunity development relationship citizen parent child commit country embracing child citizen entitled birth full protection absolute right enter borders full participation political process citizenship conferred unwitting means petitioners urge acquisition abroad bears little relation realities child ties allegiances congress make determination congress taken path instead chosen means ensure case father child opportunity relationship develop opportunity event birth provides mother child unobjectionable congress require evidence minimal opportunity development relationship child terms male fulfill ins brief contains statements indicating governmental interest describe see brief respondent suggests interests well statements government brief conclusive objects statute however concerned objectives congress ins ascertain purpose statute drawing logical conclusions text structure operation petitioners amici argue addition rather fulfilling important governmental interest merely embodies stereotype although discussion illustrate contrary petitioners assertions addresses undeniable difference circumstance parents time child born noted furthermore difference result stereotype defined frame mind resulting irrational uncritical analysis nothing irrational improper recognition moment birth critical event statutory scheme whole tradition citizenship law mother knowledge child fact parenthood established way guaranteed case unwed father stereotype see virginia heightened review standard precedent establishes make sex proscribed classification physical differences men women enduring concluded facilitation relationship parent child important governmental interest question remains whether means congress chose objective imposition certain additional requirements upon unwed father substantially relate end test means congress adopted must sustained first unsurprising congress decided require opportunity relationship occur formative years child minority furtherance desire ensure tie country one seeks citizenship various statutory provisions concerning citizenship naturalization require act linking child occur child reaches years age see child born abroad one citizen parent one noncitizen parent shall become citizen inter alia noncitizen parent naturalized child reaches years age child begins reside turns imposing conditions case child born abroad two alien parents naturalized second petitioners argue effective particular petitioners assert although mother know child birth knowledge one parent matter acquired guarantee relationship one child brief petitioners thus maintain imposition additional requirements children citizen fathers must reflect stereotype women likely men actually establish relationship children line argument misconceives nature governmental interest issue manner examine statutes alleged violate equal protection former congress course entitled advance interest ensuring actual meaningful relationship every case citizenship conferred congress excuse compliance formal requirements actual relationship proved neither perhaps subjectivity intrusiveness difficulties proof might attend inquiry particular bond tie instead congress enacted easily administered scheme promote different still substantial interest ensuring least opportunity relationship develop petitioners argument confuses means ends equal protection inquiry invalidated congress elected advance interest less demanding satisfy alternative even one conceives interest congress pursues establishment real practical relationship considerable substance parent child every case opposed simply ensuring potential relationship begin petitioners misconception nature equal protection inquiry fatal argument statute meets equal protection standard apply long substantially related achievement governmental objective question virginia supra quoting hogan turn quoting wengler almost axiomatic policy seeks foster opportunity meaningful bonds develop close substantial bearing governmental interest actual formation bond none classification equal protection cases required statute consideration must capable achieving ultimate objective every stance difficult context conferring citizenship vast numbers persons means adopted congress substantial furtherance important governmental objectives fit means important end exceedingly persuasive see virginia explained exceedingly persuasive justification established showing least classification serves important governmental objectives discriminatory means employed substantially related achievement objectives hogan supra citations omitted section meets standard analyzing mindful obligation imposes respect acquisition citizenship child citizen father minimal circumstance shows congress erected inordinate unnecessary hurdles conferral citizenship children citizen fathers furthering important objectives least onerous three options provided must satisfied child legitimated law relevant jurisdiction end matter see alternative father legitimated child formal means need make written acknowledgement paternity oath order transmit citizenship child hardly substantial burden see father choose obtain order paternity see statute satisfied day birth next day next years case unfortunate even tragic circumstance boulais pursue perhaps know simple steps alternatives omission however nullify statutory scheme section moreover sole means child citizen father attain citizenship individual fails comply substantial ties seek citizenship right rather via reliance ties citizen parent see option may foreclosed nguyen bar due serious nature criminal offenses equal protection denial supposed rigidity harshness citizenship laws iv statutory scheme satisfaction equal protection scrutiny apply classifications constitutes sufficient basis upholding noted however even conclude statute meet standard review petitioners face additional obstacles prevail ins urges irrespective whether constitutional grant relief petitioners request conferral citizenship terms specified congress may well potential problems fashioning remedy find statute unconstitutional see miller concurring judgment cf opinion stevens declining address question whether confer remedy two members today majority said miller argument dispositive see scalia joined thomas concurring judgment petitioners ask us invalidate sever must remembered severance based assumption congress intended result see scalia concurring judgment citing new york regard significant although immigration nationality act contains general severability provision congress expressly provided respect subchapter code issue provision entitled sole procedure person may naturalized citizen manner conditions prescribed subchapter otherwise see also miller supra scalia concurring judgment section refers naturalization turn defined conferring nationality state upon person birth citizenship section retroactive date birth naturalization section nevertheless conditions specified section conferral citizenship matter definition must take place child born instances taking long years section subject limitation imposed light holding equal protection violation need rely argument reason need assess implications statements earlier cases regarding wide deference afforded congress exercise immigration naturalization power see fiallo bell quoting galvan press arguments considered however determined withstand conventional equal protection scrutiny fail acknowledge even basic biological differences fact mother must present birth father need risks making guarantee equal protection superficial disserving mechanistic classification differences stereotypes operate obscure misconceptions prejudices real distinction embodied statutory scheme issue marked misconception prejudice show disrespect either class difference men women relation birth process real one principle equal protection forbid congress address problem hand manner specific gender judgment appeals affirmed tuan anh nguyen joseph boulais petitioners immigration naturalization service writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit june justice scalia justice thomas joins concurring remain view lacks power provide relief sort requested suit namely conferral citizenship basis prescribed congress see miller albright scalia concurring judgment majority justices miller concluded otherwise see opinion stevens joined rehnquist ginsburg joined souter breyer dissenting breyer joined souter ginsburg dissenting majority today proceeding assumption think appropriate reach merits petitioners equal protection claims join opinion tuan anh nguyen joseph boulais petitioners immigration naturalization service writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit june justice justice souter justice ginsburg justice breyer join dissenting long line cases spanning nearly three decades applied heightened scrutiny legislative classifications based sex today confronts another statute classifies individuals basis sex invokes heightened scrutiny manner explains applies standard stranger precedents immigration naturalization service ins shown exceedingly persuasive justification classification embodied failed establish least classification substantially relates achievement important governmental objectives reverse judgment appeals statutes even accurately reflecting way men women behave deny individuals opportunity generalizations must viewed isolation context nation long unfortunate history sex discrimination alabama ex rel quoting frontiero richardson plurality opinion generalizations reflect reinforce fixed notions concerning roles abilities males females mississippi univ women hogan reasons party seeks defend statute classifies individuals basis sex must carry burden showing exceedingly persuasive justification classification quoting kirchberg feenstra see also virginia defender classification meets burden showing least classification serves important governmental objectives discriminatory means employed substantially related achievement objectives mississippi univ women supra quoting wengler druggists mut ins see also virginia supra cases provide significant guidance concerning meaning standard reviewing apply instruction concerning application heightened scrutiny classifications stands stark contrast elucidation rudiments rational basis review begin heightened scrutiny burden justification demanding rests entirely party defending classification virginia supra rational basis scrutiny contrast defender classification obligation produce evidence sustain rationality statutory classification heller doe instead burden one attacking legislative arrangement negative every conceivable basis might support whether basis foundation record internal quotation marks citation omitted justification sustains classification must genuine hypothesized invented post hoc response litigation virginia supra mere recitation benign compensatory purpose automatic shield protects inquiry actual purposes underlying statutory scheme weinberger wiesenfeld rational basis review contrast constitutionally irrelevant reasoning fact underlay legislative decision railroad retirement bd fritz quoting flemming nestor heightened scrutiny countenance justifications rely overbroad generalizations different talents capacities preferences males females virginia supra rational basis review contrast much tolerant use broad generalizations different classes individuals long classification arbitrary irrational see kimel florida bd regents fritz supra moreover overbroad generalizations impermissible even enjoy empirical support see supra craig boren wiesenfeld supra rational basis scrutiny however empirical support even necessary sustain classification see fcc beach communications legislative choice subject courtroom factfinding may based rational speculation unsupported evidence empirical data different burdens imposed equal protection standards correspond different duties reviewing applying standard task applying heightened scrutiny classification clear focusing differential treatment denial opportunity relief sought reviewing must determine whether proffered justification exceedingly persuasive virginia making determination must inquire actual purposes discrimination tenable justification must describe actual state purposes rationalizations actions fact differently grounded see also wiesenfeld supra califano goldfarb plurality opinion stevens concurring judgment rational basis standard hand instructs classification must upheld equal protection challenge reasonably conceivable state facts provide rational basis classification heller supra quoting beach communications supra standard permits hypothesize interests might support legislative distinctions whereas heightened scrutiny limits realm justification demonstrable reality different standards equal protection review also set different bars magnitude governmental interest justifies statutory classification heightened scrutiny demands governmental interest served classification important see virginia supra whereas rational basis scrutiny requires end legitimate see nordlinger hahn important difference heightened scrutiny rational basis review course required fit means employed ends served heightened scrutiny discriminatory means must substantially related actual important governmental interest see virginia supra rational basis scrutiny means need rationally related conceivable legitimate state end see cleburne cleburne living center fact means better suited achievement governmental ends therefore moment rational basis review see vance bradley even irrelevant rational basis review alternatives might achieve approximately results massachusetts bd retirement murgia per curiam state perhaps chosen best means accomplish purpose rationality test state violate equal protection clause merely classifications made laws quoting dandridge williams require much tighter fit means ends heightened scrutiny availability alternatives classification often highly probative validity classification see wengler finding reason therefore use sex proxy need alimony statute already provided individualized hearings took financial circumstances account wiesenfeld finding distinction gratuitous without statutory scheme provide benefits men fact similarly situated women statute aids ii recites governing substantive standard heightened scrutiny classifications see ante departs guidance precedents concerning classifications several ways first sentence equal protection analysis majority glosses crucial matter burden justification ante classification withstand equal protection scrutiny must established see also ante circumstances use impersonal construction might represent mere elision stated expressly prior cases however elision presages larger failings opinion example majority hypothesizes interests served statute fails adequately inquire actual purposes also always explain adequately importance interests claims served provision majority also fails carefully consider whether classification used impermissibly proxy germane bases classification mississippi univ women quoting craig instead casually dismisses relevance available alternatives contrary majority conclusion fit means ends far attenuated provision survive heightened scrutiny majority opinion represents far less rigorous application heightened scrutiny precedents require according first governmental interest served importance assuring biological relationship exists ante majority elaborate importance interest presumably lies preventing fraudulent conveyances citizenship majority demonstrate one actual purposes assuming congress actually purpose mind enacting parts cf miller albright opinion stevens ins appear rely interest effort sustain classification cf brief respondent claiming serves least two important interests first ensuring children born abroad wedlock minority attained sufficiently recognized formal relationship citizen parent thus justify conferral citizenship upon second preventing children stateless light reviewing duty determine whether proffered justification exceedingly persuasive virginia disparity majority defense statute ins proffered justifications striking say least gravest defect reliance interest however insufficiency fit discriminatory means asserted end section imposes particular burden proof mothers wishing convey citizenship children contrast petitioners challenge requires blood relationship person father established clear convincing evidence atop requires legitimation acknowledgment paternity writing oath adjudication paternity child reaches age difficult see accomplishes furtherance assuring biological relationship exists ante achieve virtual certainty biological link modern dna testing affords reinforces sufficiency see miller supra breyer dissenting also difficult see limitation time allowed obtaining proof paternity substantially furthers assurance blood relationship modern dna testing addition providing accuracy unmatched methods establishing biological link essentially negates evidentiary significance passage time moreover application clear convincing evidence requirement account effect passage time quality evidence criticizes petitioners reliance availability sophistication modern dna tests ante appears misconceive relevance tests one argues mandates dna test legitimation adjudication paternity see may well satisfy clear convincing standard satisfaction written acknowledgment paternity oath see seem little anything advance assurance blood relationship stretching fit context likewise petitioners argument depend idea one particular method establishing paternity constitutionally required petitioners argument rests instead fact goal obtain proof paternity existence statutory provision governing proof coupled efficacy availability modern technology highly relevant sufficiency tailoring classification asserted end adds little work difficult say substantially furthers important governmental interest kirchberg majority concedes congress achieve goal assuring biological relationship fashion surprising turn dismisses availability alternatives irrelevant suggests congress required mothers fathers prove parenthood within days matter years child birth ante citing miller supra opinion stevens indeed whether one conceives majority asserted interest assuring existence biological relationship ante ensuring acceptable documentation relationship ante number arrangements including one majority offers better serve end majority seems implicitly acknowledge one point ante mother always formal legal documentation birth birth certificate may issue may subsequently lost conversely father name may well appear birth certificate doubtless true mother blood relation child uniquely verifiable birth present birth ante majority shown mother birth relation uniquely verifiable ins much less greater verifiability warrants rather statute prior cases existence comparable superior alternatives powerful reason reject classification see supra majority however turns principle head denigrating hollow neutrality law requires ante majority trumpets availability superior alternatives confirmation validity precedents demonstrate fact decided strike law far hollow avoidance gratuitous distinctions hallmark equal protection cf dissenting majority acknowledgment availability alternatives scarcely confirms point differential treatment inherent sensible statutory scheme ante discussion instead demonstrates differential impact result fact athers mothers similarly situated regard proof biological parenthood ante words likely easier mothers satisfy proof parentage requirement facially neutral laws disparate impact different animal purposes constitutional analysis laws specifically provide disparate treatment long held differential impact facially neutral law trigger heightened scrutiny see washington davis whereas apply heightened scrutiny laws facially classify individuals basis sex see virginia see also supra kennedy concurring judgment ur case law reveal strong presumption gender classifications invalid parham hughes plurality opinion legislation however entitled presumption validity presumption statutory validity may also undermined state enacted legislation creating classes based upon certain immutable human attributes citing inter alia reed reed rational basis scrutiny appropriate case claim constitution require congress elect one particular mechanism among many possible methods establishing paternity ante much greater force claim requirement represents reasonable conclusion ante fidelity constitution pledge equal protection demands facially classification issue sit judgment wisdom laws one instance cf beach communications rather potential injury personal dignity supra kennedy concurring judgment inheres accompanies many classifications second important governmental interest furthered substantial manner determination ensure child citizen parent demonstrated opportunity potential develop relationship recognized formal matter law one consists real everyday ties provide connection child citizen parent turn ante fails demonstrate congress actual purpose enacting majority focus demonstrated opportunity potential develop real everyday ties fact appears type hypothesized rationale insufficient heightened scrutiny see supra ins asserts governmental interest ensuring children born abroad wedlock minority attained sufficiently recognized formal relationship citizen parent thus justify conferral citizenship upon brief respondent majority asserted end best simultaneously version interest asserted ins majority rendition weaker ins emphasizes opportunity potential develop relationship rather actual relationship ins claims congress concerned majority version also stronger goes past formal relationship apparently desired ins real everyday ties assuming majority congress actually concerned ensuring demonstrated opportunity relationship questionable whether opportunity qualifies important governmental interest apart existence actual relationship focusing opportunity rather reality majority presumably improves chances sufficient fit dilutes significantly weight interest difficult see context anyone profits demonstrated opportunity relationship absence fruition actual tie children opportunity tie parent course may never develop actual relationship parent see miller opinion stevens child grows foreign country without postbirth contact citizen parent child opportunity relationship citizen seems singularly irrelevant appropriateness granting citizenship child likewise actual relationship actual relationship work rendering appropriate grant citizenship regardless opportunity relationship arose accepting moment majority focus opportunity attempt justify terms still deficient even important require opportunity relationship occur formative years child minority ante difficult see requirement proof opportunity obtained child turns substantially furthers asserted interest facts case demonstrate ante entirely possible father child opportunity develop relationship fact develop relationship without obtaining proof opportunity child minority parents relationship ended petitioner nguyen lived family father new girlfriend sixth birthday nguyen came reared father petitioner boulais dna test showed probability paternity boulais obtained order parentage texas underscoring gap discriminatory means asserted end possibility child might obtain adjudication paternity absent affirmative act father perhaps even express objection miller breyer dissenting quoting opinion stevens fact fit break readily theory practice hardly characteristic substantial relationship moreover available alternatives least replicate easily exceed whatever fit discriminatory means majority asserted end according designed ensure fathers children opportunity event birth provides mother child ante even assuming congress simply substitute requirement parent present birth knowledge birth cf miller supra breyer dissenting congress least allow proof presence knowledge one way demonstrating opportunity relationship present law statute face accords different treatment mother nature present birth father choice present birth even though two individuals similarly situated respect opportunity relationship mother transmit citizenship birth father absence least one affirmative act different statutory treatment solely account sex similarly situated individuals type treatment patently inconsistent promise equal protection laws see reed providing dissimilar treatment men women thus similarly situated challenged section violates equal protection clause indeed idea mother presence birth supplies adequate assurance opportunity develop relationship father presence birth appear rest overbroad generalization mother may opportunity relationship child removed mother account alleged abuse neglect child mother separated tragedy disaster war sort apparently present case reason stereotype say fathers present birth lack opportunity relationship similar terms hysical differences men women virginia therefore justify discrimination majority later ratchets interest sake argument establishment real practical relationship considerable substance parent child every case opposed simply ensuring potential relationship begin ante majority dismisses distinction opportunity reality immaterial inquiry case ibid majority rests analysis fit largely following proposition almost axiomatic policy seeks foster opportunity meaningful bonds develop close substantial bearing governmental interest actual formation bond ibid bare assertion allegedly almost axiomatic however substitute demanding burden justification borne defender classification virginia supra moreover reasoning hardly conforms tailoring requirement heightened scrutiny fact discriminatory policy embodies good intention seek ing foster opportunity something beneficial happen little relevance whether policy substantially furthers desired occurrence whether classification indeed close substantial bearing actual occurrence preferred result depends facts circumstances must proved classification defender far virtual axiom relationship intent foster opportunity fruition desired effect merely contingent proposition majority sweeping claim surrogate careful application heightened scrutiny particular classification question remains sufficiency fit discriminatory means goal establish ing real practical relationship considerable substance ante congress wishes advance end easily employing classification far germane bas classification sex craig example congress require degree regular contact child citizen parent period time see miller ginsburg dissenting majority raises possibility use means dismiss irrelevant admits congress excuse compliance formal requirements actual relationship proved speculates congress perhaps subjectivity intrusiveness difficulties proof might attend inquiry particular bond tie ante repeatedly rejected efforts justify classifications ground administrative convenience see wengler frontiero reason think case administrative convenience concerns powerful justify discrimination cf wengler supra especially use sex proxy ill fit purported ends extent congress might seek simply ensure opportunity relationship little administrative inconvenience seem accompany requirement presence birth knowledge birth contact parent child prior certain age claim substantially relates achievement goal real practical relationship thus finds support biological differences instead stereotype generalization mothers significantly likely fathers develop caring relationships children miller supra breyer dissenting claim relies stereotype law condemns internal quotation marks omitted lends credibility generalization mississippi univ women helps convert assumption prophecy ibid see also supra state actors exercise peremptory challenges reliance gender stereotypes ratify reinforce prejudicial views relative abilities men women indeed contrary stereotype boulais reared nguyen nguyen apparently lacked relationship mother majority apparently tries avoid reliance stereotype characterizing governmental interest demonstrated opportunity relationship attempting close gap opportunity reality dubious claim almost axiomatic fact one route wisely forgone mean plausibly taken inescapable conclusion instead lacks exceedingly persuasive justification denying petitioner claim rests stereotypes majority articulates misshapen notion stereotype significance equal protection jurisprudence majority asserts stereotype defined frame mind resulting irrational uncritical analysis ante long recognized however impermissible stereotype may enjoy empirical support thus sense rational see supra made abundantly clear past cases gender classifications rest impermissible stereotypes violate equal protection clause even statistical support conjured generalization craig invalidating classification even though evidence supporting distinction trivial statistical sense noting prior cases consistently rejected use sex decisionmaking factor even though statutes question certainly rested far predictive empirical relationships wiesenfeld invalidating classification even though underlying generalization entirely without empirical support indeed stereotypes underlie classification may hold true many even individuals miller ginsburg dissenting numerous cases measure truth inhered generalization rejected official actions classify unnecessarily overbroadly gender accurate impartial functional lines drawn ibid stereotypes consist overbroad generalizations reviewing considers show disrespect class ante compare craig supra hallmark stereotypical classification precedents whether classification insulting whether relie upon simplistic outdated assumption gender used proxy germane bases classification mississippi univ women supra quoting craig supra also important note explanations many decisions invalidating classifications pointed problems stereotypes overbroad generalizations explanations certainly mean burden challenger classification prove legislative reliance generalizations indeed arbitrary distinction sexes may rely identifiable generalization may simply denial opportunity pure caprice distinction course nonetheless classic equal protection violation burden proving use classification substantially relates achievement important governmental interest remains unmistakably entirely classification defender see virginia also failed even acknowledge volumes history oday skeptical scrutiny official action denying rights opportunities based sex responds history sex discrimination laws governing transmission citizenship respect parental responsibilities children born wedlock counsels least circumspection discerning legislative purposes context see generally miller supra ginsburg dissenting section first enacted nationality act stat act proposed president forwarding report specially convened committee advisors including attorney general committee explained congress rationale whose classification remains effect today department state least since uniformly held illegitimate child born abroad american mother acquires birth nationality mother absence legitimation adjudication establishing paternity child ruling based ground mother case stands place father nder american law mother right custody control child putative father bound maintain natural guardian rule seems accord old roman law laws spain france revise codify nationality laws hearings house committee immigration naturalization reprinting message president nationality laws emphasis added internal quotation marks citations omitted section thus paradigmatic historic regime left women responsibility freed men responsibility nonmarital children law one advocate explained congress plea citizenship law comes illegitimate child great burden mother recognized parent father put safely background naturalization citizenship status certain children mothers citizens hearing house committee immigration naturalization testimony burnita shelton matthews see also citizenship law permit father escape burdens incident illegitimate parenthood unlike child custody support laws longer assume mothers alone bound serve natural guardians nonmarital children see rev stat ann equal duties support cf cal civ code ann west abolishing tender years doctrine majority however rather confronting stereotypical notion mothers must care children fathers may ignore quietly condones stereotype law condemns internal quotation marks omitted punctuating disparity majority ins accounts governmental interests stake majority failure even address ins second asserted rationale prevents certain children stateless brief respondent see also describing statelessness problem certainly good reason reject asserted rationale indeed ins hardly even attempts show statelessness concern justifies discriminatory means particular ins instead undertakes demonstration statelessness concern justifies relaxed residency requirements citizen mothers see brief respondent petitioners challenge distinction requires citizen fathers previously resided five years including least two years age provides citizen mother need resided one year ins proffered justification statelessness thus nothing buttress case also makes number observations tend whole detract distract relevant equal protection inquiry example presumably referring general majority suggests statute simply ensures equivalence two expectant mothers citizens abroad one chooses reenter child birth chooses return means ante even apart question whether one congress actual purposes majority affirmatively claim equivalence quite beside point petitioners constitutional challenge directed dissimilar treatment accorded fathers mothers also obligation imposed minimal present inordinate unnecessary hurdles acquisition citizenship nonmarital child citizen father ante even assuming burden minimal question whether hurdle unnecessary quite different kind question whether burdensome well settled absence insurmountable barrier redeem otherwise unconstitutionally discriminatory law kirchberg finally recitation statistics concerning military personnel overseas travel ante highlights opportunities citizens interact citizens foreign countries bears little question whether discriminatory means permissible governmental response circumstances indeed majority discussion may simply reflect stereotype male irresponsibility basis validity classification stereotypes traditional behavior patterns women course true failure recognize relevant differences line command equal protection see ante undermine promise equal protection try make differences carry weight simply bear promise informs proper application heightened scrutiny classifications demands scrupulous adherence test iii identifies two additional obstacles petitioners face even accept conclusion statute fails heightened scrutiny ante first question concerns potential problems fashioning remedy ante quoting miller concurring judgment citing scalia concurring judgment second question concerns implications statements earlier cases regarding wide deference afforded congress exercise immigration naturalization power ante believe petitioners able surmount hurdles matter remedy severance appropriate petitioners prevailed several factors support conclusion immigration nationality act ina contains general severability clause provides particular provision act application thereof person circumstance held invalid remainder act application provision persons circumstances shall affected thereby stat see note following separability concluded severability clause unambiguous gives rise presumption congress intend validity ina whole part ina depend upon whether one provision unconstitutional ins chadha title person may naturalized citizen manner conditions prescribed subchapter otherwise effect operation ina general severability clause case section governs naturalization statute defines conferring nationality state upon person birth whereas deal transmission citizenship birth see following shall nationals citizens birth unlike ina general severability clause specifically address scenario particular provision held invalid indeed ins even rely brief decision ins pangilinan preclude severance pangilinan held courts lack equitable authority order naturalization persons satisfy statutory requirements naturalization petitioners instant case however seek exercise equitable power petitioners instead seek severance offending provisions statute free constitutional defect operate determine whether citizenship transmitted birth cf miller supra breyer dissenting addition severance clause often concluded absence legislative direction sever infirm provision extension rather nullification benefit faithful legislative design califano westcott see also wiesenfeld frontiero choice extension nullification also virtue avoiding injury parties represented instant litigation congress course remains free redesign statute manner comports constitution question deference pivotal case fiallo bell fiallo however readily distinguished fiallo involved constitutional challenges various statutory distinctions including classification based sex citizen lawful permanent resident determined availability special immigration preference certain aliens virtue relationship citizen lawful permanent resident see also miller supra opinion stevens emphasizing limited scope judicial inquiry immigration legislation instant case admission aliens instead concerns logically prior question whether individual citizen first place predicate application deference commanded fiallo individuals concerned aliens whether predicate obtains matter issue case cf miller opinion stevens government argues alien outside territory substantive rights cognizable fifth amendment even question decided whether petitioner alien whether petitioner claims petitioner citizen thus must address merits determine whether predicate argument accurate internal quotation marks citation omitted govern conferral citizenship birth admission aliens ordinary standards equal protection review apply see breyer dissenting one mistake majority analysis careful application equal protection jurisprudence concerning classifications today decision instead represents deviation line cases vigilantly applied heightened scrutiny classifications determine whether constitutional violation occurred trust depth vitality precedents ensure today error remains aberration respectfully dissent