Will the 14th Amendment stand?
Dear Editor,
I am writing to address the complexities surrounding birthright citizenship in the United States. As a concerned citizen, I believe it is essential to understand the intricacies of this issue and the potential consequences of altering the current policy.
The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution grants citizenship to all individuals born or naturalised in the US, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. This amendment has been upheld by the courts, including in the landmark case of US v Wong Kim Ark (1898), which established that a child born in the US to immigrant parents is a US citizen.
Despite the clear language of the 14th Amendment, some have argued that birthright citizenship can be changed through executive order or legislation. However, any changes to birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment process, which involves a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate or a national convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures.
The benefits of birthright citizenship include simplifying the citizenship process, promoting national unity and inclusivity, encouraging immigration and economic growth, and protecting human rights and preventing statelessness. However, concerns include abuse by non-citizens who enter the country solely to give birth and acquire citizenship for their children and security risks posed by individuals who acquire citizenship through birth but may have malicious intentions.
Furthermore, altering birthright citizenship could have far-reaching consequences, including:
• Creating a class of stateless individuals
• Undermining national unity
• Compromising the fundamental principles of equality and justice enshrined in the US Constitution
• Impacting immigration policy and national security
• Affecting the distribution of public resources, such as health care and education
In light of these complexities, I urge policymakers and citizens to approach this issue with caution and careful consideration. We must prioritise the values of inclusivity, equality, and justice that have always defined our nation.
Brian Richards
Brianerichards197@gmail.com
