[HOME ] [ABOUT] [PHOTOS] [VIDEO] [BLOG] [HOUSTON] [TEXAS] [U.S. NEWS] [WORLD NEWS] [SPORTS] [POP CULTURE] [CONTACT]
Bill that would end birthright American citizenship introduced
by Joseph Ernest January 6, 2011
Newscast Media -- Legislation that would end automatic granting of American citizenship to children born in the U.S. by illegal immigrants has been introduced by four GOP lawmakers, who have argued that birthright citizenship encourages illegals to cross the border into America.
Reps. Steve King of Iowa, George Miller of California and Rob Woodall and Phil Gingrey, both of Georgia, said the current practice of extending U.S. citizenship to so-called "anchor babies" is a "misapplication" of the Constitution's 14th Amendment.
"Passage of this bill will ensure that immigration law breakers are not rewarded, will close the door to future waves of extended family chain migration, and will help to bring an end to the global 'birth tourism' industry," King said.
Miller added that granting birthright citizenship to children of illegal immigrants "rewards those that have recklessly broken our nation's immigration laws, and costs American taxpayers billions annually."
The move by the U.S. representatives coincides with legislation being introduced in several states aimed at finding a way to challenge birthright citizenship as well as crack down on illegals through other measures. Automatic citizenship is enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which was read on the House floor on Thursday. The provision, ratified in 1868, was drafted with freed slaves in mind.
Several state lawmakers operating under the group State Legislators for Legal Immigration met in Washington this week to discuss a legal challenge that would force the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on whether the 14th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees citizenship to children born in the U.S. to illegal residents.
The lawmakers want states to adopt a bill that would bestow state citizenship on people who meet the state's definition of a U.S. citizen and are state residents. They also want states to agree to a compact that defines who is eligible for U.S. citizenship. The lawmakers say Congress must approve the compact but it does not require the president's signature. Add Comments>>
|
|
Join the Newscast Media social networks
for current events and multimedia content.
Copyright© Newscast Media. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Privacy Policy