Citizenship by Birthright Essay - 941 Words

Citizenship by Birthright According to the Council on Foreign Relations, birthright citizenship â€Å"grants citizenship to everyone born in the United States regardless of their parents status† (Rawlins, 2011). While this seems to be in-line with the fourteenth amendment which states â€Å"all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside† (Congress, 1866), the true intention of this part of the constitution is hotly debated, particularly in light of the current economic downfall in the United States. With that said it may behoove constituents to look into the real costs versus benefits of birthright citizenship and what effect†¦show more content†¦To spearhead the resulting economic impact of supporting the non-taxpaying immigrants, Mr. Graham supports a new initiative to first grant legal citizenship to millions of people already residing in the United States illegall y and then modify the amendment to reduce illegal immigration overall. The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 (H.R.140), was introduced to congress on January 4th, 2011 by United States Representative Steve King of Iowa. In short, this bill strives to put an end to birthright citizenship for those born to undocumented immigrants, alleviating the related economic burden. However, the bill would still allow children born to at least one United States Citizen, legal resident, or member of the military to be declared citizenship, protecting children of those parents who have followed the law appropriately. American residents seem to be showing support for this bill, as documented in a telephone poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports (Waddington, 2011). The results of the survey showed that only 28% of Americans believe birthright citizenship should be automatic for those born to illegal immigrants. Mr. King viewed this response as an overarching desire from the American public to secure borders and to start utilizing the fourteenth amendment in a differen t manner. So, what is the real cost of birthright citizenship? According to John Freere, Legal Policy Analyst at the Center forShow MoreRelatedBirthright of Citizenship702 Words   |  3 PagesThe Birthright Citizenship Amendment is one that has caused controversy. Should   a person that is   born in the US, regardless of whether the parents were here temporarily, or illegally be considered an American citizen? The 14th Amendment states â€Å"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the States wherein they reside†, ( Spalding, 2010). The interpretation of this amendment has caused the controversy. Read MoreBirthright Citizenship Essay741 Words   |  3 Pagesthey really are. They are Sikes. No matter how hard they try to be Nikes, they will always be Sikes. You can cover the `S with an `N but can you ever really replace the `S? No, you can not, so why should an illegal immigrant gain American citizenship rights just because they were born in America? In 1868, the United States of Americas Congress adopted the 14th Amendment to the Constitution stating that, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdictionRead MoreArgument Against Birthright Citizenship : Chain Migration1485 Words   |  6 Pages Arguments Against Birthright Citizenship: Chain Migration One major point policymakers argue against birthright citizenship is the fact that it incentivizes illegal immigration and can lead to a never ending series of chain migration. Chain migration occurs when the child can sponsor their parents and apply for their legal citizenship in the United States. Once the child turns 18, they can sponsor a foreign spouse and unmarried children of his own. When they turn 21, they can sponsor their parentsRead MoreThe Issue Of Birthright Citizenship922 Words   |  4 PagesThe question of birthright citizenship, can be one of America’s hotly debated topic; that is next to illegal immigration which it is married. â€Å"Birthright Citizenship†, addresses the children born outside the country of their parent’s legal residence, and this is not just an American issue. While this previous statement, does not specify state illegal immigration, which appears to be some of the debate of this issue, during political season this does become a talking point in political circles. TheRead MoreEssay on Immigration and Birthright Citizenship1003 Words   |  5 PagesImmigration and Birthright Citizenship Many people feel the issue on immigration and birthright citizenship may have become a touchy subject. Some people argue that the undocumented citizens or illegal immigrants steal jobs away from rightful US citizens. Also people say that the undocumented citizens want to have a baby in the United States of America with the assumption they will grant US citizenship to them as a family. In certain states the police were allowed to stop anyone that theyRead MoreIllegal Aliens and Birthright Citizenship4368 Words   |  18 PagesIllegal Aliens and Birthright Citizenship The United States Constitution is the supreme law of our great country. Found in our Constitution, is the fourteenth amendment. But, did the authors of the Fourteenth Amendment want or not want to grant citizenship to every person who happened to be born on U.S. soil? And does subject to the jurisdiction mean something different from born in the United States,? First, let’s see exactly what the fourteenth amendment states: â€Å"All persons born or naturalizedRead MoreRethinking Birthright Citizenship Is Not A Matter Of Blood Or Birth1885 Words   |  8 PagesRethinking Birthright Citizenship in the Unites States In his address to the country on immigration, President Obama said that â€Å"being an American is not a matter of blood or birth.† (2015, Klukowski), Would you agree? When you think of America and its constitutional rights afforded to all, it’s very likely that birthright citizenship (under the 14th amendment) is one of the rights that comes to mind- â€Å"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, areRead MoreThe Debate Over Controversy : Turning Heads, White, And Blue Soil Of America897 Words   |  4 Pageswhether or not to enhance the Citizenship Clause. Based on the 14th amendment, anyone, no matter what race, born on the proud red, white, and blue soil of America has the right to become a citizen of the United States, similar to the â€Å"Birthright Citizenship Rule†. The Citizenship Clause curtails the Birthright Citizenship in certain cases. For example, the offspring of diplomats, attacking soldiers, and specific Native American tribe don’t have the right to Birthright Citizenship Rule. However, how do weRead MoreEssay about I Am An American1673 Words   |  7 PagesGovernment officials have claimed that the issue of birthright citizenship is the core of the dispute over immigration. To try and remedy this situation, holders of public office have held hearings and debates in an attempt to â€Å"redefine† what it means to be an American citizen. Birthright citizenship is the term used to refer to the citizenship that is granted to an individual who is born on the associated territory. Providing an individual with citizenship of any state or country means that one now hasRead MorePersuasive Essay On Birth Tourism1182 Words   |  5 Pagesto gain citizenship. This is becoming an increasing problem in the United States. The 14th amendment allows for American born babies to gain citizenship in the country. Many immigrants are taking advantage of this amendment to gain citizenship for their child and then flee. Despite the benefits that the 14th amendment presents, I believe that it should be altered to reflect its true meaning and awarding citizenship to people who greatly deserve it The 14th amendment guarantees citizenship to every