An End to Birthright Citizenship?
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Jan 4, 2011
Story Updated:
Jan 5, 2011
Sources are reporting possible legislation in 2011 to end birth right citizenship in several states across the nation including Texas. Pro 8 News reporter Patrick Nelson spent the day getting local reaction and has this story about possible changes to the 14th amendment. He has the story.
It's a polarizing issue not many want to speak about. Since the start of the 19th century, if a baby is born in the United States, it automatically becomes an American citizen. But lawmakers in 14 states, including Texas, are preparing legislation to put an end to birthright citizenship.
"Local attorneys say state law makers may have some trouble trying to pass a law against birthright citizenship because federal law trumps state law every time."
"They are free to pass any law they want to pass, but of course it's going to get reviewed all the way up to the Supreme Court and I can't see the Supreme Court letting a law like that stand when it is clearly in an amendment."
The action by state lawmakers sparks what has now become an age-old debate. If a child is born in the United States the product of undocumented immigrants, should that child be automatically granted citizenship?
"I don't think it's fair for the United States' citizens to have undocumented immigrants here from other countries and just because they are born here they become a United States citizen. We are the land of the free and the proud and here's a place to make a living for your family and I kind of feel bad for those people.”
"It's just pretty much stealing our taxes, making us pay more taxes so yes I think it is all right. If your parents aren't Americans, should you have the right to be here?”
If a case were to go to the Supreme Court about the offspring of illegal immigrants, it would be a first. Many immigrant rights groups are hopeful state law makers will take a stronger approach on illegal immigration without infringing on constitutional rights. Patrick Nelson, Laredo’s Pro 8 News.
Arizona State Sen. Russell Pearce is set to unveil the anti-birthright citizenship bill this Friday, January 5th in Washington, D.C.
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brenda said on Tuesday, Sep 20 at 11:24 PM
its stupid because before all this happened back in the 1500s or who knows when we are all considered undocumented people america does not belong to no one...in that case white ppl should get their papers taken away because look back to their ancestors...unless u are related to Christopher Columbus then u have a right to say u are a legal citizen
74113986Reality Gal said on Monday, Jan 17 at 4:02 PM
2. As far a taxes are concerned, reality check, we will always pay taxes and they will always increase haven't we figured this out yet. Unfortunately that's the nature of the beast. And those that voted for our new president, where's your check again? That is a Reality.
59033019Reality Gal said on Monday, Jan 17 at 3:59 PM
1.Our country is going bankrupt for many different reasons. One for example, is that the US depends on other countries for consumable/manufactured products. There was a time when the US manufactured most of our products, however the US saw the opportunity to go CHEAPER and have most products done in other countries. This is very dangerous for the US because other countries can use that against us as a weakness. As far as Citizenship is concerned, it is stated in the Constitution and will NOT be amended. That is reality. If the complaint is illegal immigrants giving birth in our country for citizenship, then maybe we can put a time limit and resource limit on how much that child can be helped if the parents cannot reside in the US. However, this is very controversial, because everyone has suggestions but there is really no solutions. We should follow the constitution and find solutions not ensue hatred and inequality...haven't we been fighting this for so long now.
59032894Beauty said on Saturday, Jan 8 at 11:42 PM
Anonymous- You are absolutly right, illegals are not wanted here. They should go back to their native country. I do not understand why they insist bieng here creating a big defecit to our economy, they are a burden to us taxpayers.
58554088Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 7 at 8:20 PM
Both parties don't like illegals... from Obama ousting more illegals than Bush Jr. did during his term... Bush, McCain, Clinton, Nixon, all of them wanted illegals OUT! Its not just one party, its the entire COUNTRY!
58504784Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 7 at 8:17 PM
Beauty, I would have to split myself into 5 parts in order to go to my native countries. My great great grandfather was born in this country, my great grandmother was not. Everyone else (of my family) was born in this country. And the constitution has interpreted meanings before, like the "right to carry a gun". The only way to be 100% sure of what the founding fathers mean from a constitutional right would be to go back in time and ask them.
58504653sickandtired said on Friday, Jan 7 at 5:09 PM
@JT....Still not sticking to the topic?? We were discussing Birthrights not healthcare or democrats vs republicans. Get a grip!
58496618JT said on Friday, Jan 7 at 4:40 PM
You'te the ignorant one here, sickandtired. I didn't say that illegal immigrants were bankrupting the country. I said entitlements are doing it. Obamacare is an entitlement, and YOU said that bailouts were bankrupting the country. Can you even follow your own arguments? Also, there is nothing wrong with immigrants, but liberals always conveniently forget to include the term "illegal" immigration.
58494943Beauty said on Friday, Jan 7 at 3:01 PM
Everbody is going to be thrown to their native Country!!!!!
584890831st Anon said on Friday, Jan 7 at 2:18 PM
The point is why challenge the us constitution now. If the children are born here they are USA citizens. No one can change that, no one should change that. I understand some peoples frustrations but bottom line if you are born within our countries borders your a citizen. Now their parents are a different story. There just needs to be stricter regulations with government services. To all those who think your all chingones because your born USA citizens. Just look at your parents or grandparents or great grandparents who came here from other countries. Where do you think you'd be now if it was not for the 14 amendment huh?
58486124N. Laredo said on Friday, Jan 7 at 10:57 AM
Beauty ... "ponte en la ...." Thats the best you got? Go backto school little girl.
58472172Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 7 at 10:53 AM
@Beauty....How old are you?? Very immature ... teetering on the edge of stupidity! YOU are the problem with the image of Hispanics. Listen to the way you speak... Then to top it all off you sit buy and watch laws being broken, do nothing, then complain about it! Great citizenship! Get educated, research, and then don't just complain....do something! Conversation with you is definitely over!
58471928and the grandkids? said on Friday, Jan 7 at 8:39 AM
Ok so, what about the kids born of these children who born here to undocumented aliens. In otherwords the grandchildren of the undocumented. Should they too be stripped of their birthright? Yost askin.
58462587Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 7 at 1:51 AM
I say again Anchor Babies GTFO! (Get The F Out)
58453907Beauty said on Friday, Jan 7 at 1:09 AM
Seriously...Go and live with these undocumented people you seem to agree with what they are doing, so ponte en la fila y vete para Mexico!!!!!!
58453049Seriously? said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 11:11 PM
...seriously? Do you even hear what you all are saying? Beauty, Cinderella, Common sense, blah, blah, blah ...? It's 2011 and there are STILL people who talk like this? ...about others in OUR country. Are you kidding me? Allowing the law to take away our BIRTH right! Is anyone else reading this, because I have never heard of such ridiculous comments in my life. Let me clear this up a little ...it's in the CONSTITUTION! ...THE CONSTITUTION. It's not gonna happen. It's the 14th AMENDMENT! Wow. These people you are talking about are CHILDREN! It's not like they can pick & choose where they want to be born. Even if their parents are "milking" the system ...it's not THEM! Anyone can see that ...you're only leaving room to discriminate ...& it's against children. Again ...seriously?
58449473Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 9:40 PM
To make things worst, the couple that I know, well the women recently acquired her immigration papers. I do not understand how immigration would give her the documents to become a legal resident when in fact she and her husband have milked the system for more than 17 years, can somebody from ICE explain this?
58445607Beauty2 said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 7:44 PM
Beauty should report them to Pro8. Would that work?
58440617Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 6:20 PM
Anonymous---This couple are not my neighbors, they live in South Laredo, I live in North Laredo. I have reported them but nothing gets done!!!!
58436806Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 5:51 PM
Humanity is Illegal, God was here first! We should exterminate all the humans! All humans do is destroy the planet!
58435488Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 5:48 PM
Beauty...you stand by for 17 years watching and knowing that your neighbors, pedicurist, and carpenter are stealing from the system and then you have the nerve to complain about it after doing nothing to prevent it for 17 years?? You are right...."La verdad no duele pero incomoda!!" You are a part of if not the problem!!
58435343sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 5:43 PM
Very well said chill out!
58435067Chill out said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 5:38 PM
If you want to make the US solvent again I suggest making Lobbying and campaign contributions illegal. People with money would not be able to change laws, and elect their own politicians for their own gain
58434762Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 5:38 PM
Lalo---You only said the truth! La verdad no duele pero incomoda!!!
58434761Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 5:21 PM
So what does the constitution say about children born illegally in the u.s.? May be a loophole there.
58433837Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 4:58 PM
Yes beauty I know of several people too and I do and have reported people. But the response I get from caseworkers is because their kids are legal they qualify. Im not sure but I think these caseworkers need to go back to their training or maybe they are just doing favors for friends. Whatever the case, Legal american citizens are also to blame, in fact they are mostly to blame. They are the worst to bleed the system dry. i know men who purposely injure themselves just so they cant work to recieve a free SS check. Talk about taking advantage huh. Most illegals are hard working people, they take and do the jobs no American wants. If it was not for them I would not have veggies or fruits on my plate.
58432562sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 4:47 PM
@Beauty..the last post at 3:46pm was from me....forgot to add the username! Sorry, I went straight to the comment section.
58431986Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 4:46 PM
@Beauty...By not reporting the couple you mentioned you are enabling them to steal freely. People like the ones you described should be reported...illegal or not! By not reporting them you have answered your own question as to how they manage to milk the system. Call it in! Those are the type of people who are stealing you're tax money! Sadly, there are legal as well as illegal people doing this. Still does not make it right to strip someones birthright.
58431883Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 4:36 PM
Anonymous---I know this couple that are undocumented, they have lived in this Country for seventeen years taking advantage of food stamps, housing and medicare, etc. They have two teenagers that were born here in the US The woman gets paid cash for doing pedicures and the man is a carpenter; they make over a thousand a week and they manage to milk the system, can you explain this?
58431457sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 4:14 PM
@Anonymous..I so agree with you about restrictions on welfare, food stamps, ect. From what I understand unless you are a US citizen you do not qualify for any of those programs. Why people keep bringing that up is beyond me unless they are unaware of this. My issue is with a persons birthright. It is unconstitutional to strip if from anyone based on where their parents are from. If this had been law back in the day...most of us would not be here. I am just so tired of Hispanics always getting the short end of the stick and being beaten down by our own race. Makes me sad.
58429987sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 4:07 PM
jt..yes the country is going broke but undocumented people are not the reason. Stick with the topic! Healthcare...a whole other issue. Your showing your ignorance by thinking that I will be pulled into a whole new political conversation....not going to happen! This country is a democracy....built from hard working immigrants! And I for one am very proud of that fact. @Cinderella....Good for you! I do enjoy hearing from true native Americans! But at the same time this country was build on the hard work of immigrants. Lets not forget the topic. Birthrights. We all have them and it is unconstitutional to strip anyone of them because who or where their parents are from. Thats the bottom line. @Lalo...your statement has to be the most ridiculous one yet!! Did you know that the majority of resident aliens in this country tend to vote republican?? Again...lets not get off the topic. Birthrights should be protected for everyone no matter who or where your parents are from.
58429488Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 3:56 PM
I have mixed feeling on this issue. One one hand this country was made by a variety of immigrants from all over. Were their children denied American citizenship because of that. No! Its only fair that we not change that part of the constitution. On the other you have these women crossing the bridge in labor just to have their children born here to be us citizens. I dont think they should change it, I do however think their needs to be stricter restrictions with foodstamps, welfare, medicaid, etc. If the parents are illegal they need to be sent back to their country. It's not like they can claim an address here since they are not even suppose to be here illegally. When the child is of legal age they can return back.
58428732native said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 3:10 PM
Chill Out, you are right...since most of the people are descendants from Spanish, Italians, Germans,& English etc...they technically are not US Citizens if this were to be the law..How many millions of new undocumented aliens would we have now?? Unless you have Native American ancestry like me, then you wouldn't have to worry.
58425583Cinderlla said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 3:08 PM
Sickandtired---For your information I am an American Indian!!!!
58425483Lalo said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 3:07 PM
Don't call illegals illegal immigrants. Call them undocumented democrats.
58425427JT said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 3:03 PM
To sickandtired: You are showing your ignorance in true democrat fashion. The country is going broke because of the never-ending entitlements, plus the new one that just got passed--health care. Medicare is broke, social security is broke, medicaid is going to break the states. Redistribution of wealth, something democrats excel at, is going to bankrupt this country. they use class warefare and anti-capitalist views to defend thie twisted agenda.
58425071sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:43 PM
@beauty...I probably pay more in taxes than you do! Still waiting to find out where your native country is and when the going away part will be so that I can RSVP. Keep in touch. @ Cinderella....who is picking and processing that food?? From fruits and vegetable to the meats you eat?? Are you going to do it when they are gone?? I don't think so. This country is broke but undocumented people are not the reason why. Research!! Look at the real issues on the border!! Mexico is in a war and yet we have done nothing to help except to day "go home." When other countries not next door to ours scream "help!" We are the first ones there....why can't we do the same for the country most of us are descendent's of?? Where is are humanity?? I feel for you.
58423947Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:36 PM
I am delighted the "Dream Act" did not pass, Congratulations to the Representatives who voted against it!!!
58423418Cinderlla said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:25 PM
Sickandtired: You well know that the US is providing food, housing and education for these undocumented people, that is why the Goverment (us taxpayers are broke) don't you see the real picture? We are supporting these undocumented people, that is why the Country is broke, send them back now!!!!!
58422708Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:22 PM
To goes to sickandtired: Maybe you also take advantage of the welfare system like these undocumented people, unless you really pay taxes like me, then you will reason with me!!
58422541sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:02 PM
@Beauty....so unless you're American Indian this is not your "native country" either. Should we throw you back? And to where? Just a thought!
58421326sickandtired said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:00 PM
@Cinderella..PLEASE..undocumented people or low income people are NOT the reason for this countries "going bankrupt" as you put it! The government is spending money we don't have on helping banks, corporations, and bailouts! ANY CHILD BORN IN THE USA IS AUTOMATICALLY A US CITIZEN!! So says the constitution! It is unconstitutional to strip that birthright from anyone no matter what your thoughts are!! There are far bigger issues on the border than undocumented workers....we should be spending money on the drug traffic!! Supply and demand. The demand for drugs is here in the US the supply in Mexico. Until we change or stop the demand..the problem continues. Lets work on that before we begin to condemn people who are just looking for a better life for their children and families. In their shoes, I would do the same. I would die trying to find a better life and place to grow up for my children. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.
58421193Cinderella said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 10:33 AM
That is why this Country is going bankrupt, there are millions of undocumented people, they just come to this Country to be a burden to us taxpayers, children born to undocumented parents should not become US Citizens!!!!
58407317Beauty said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 10:09 AM
Undocumented people should not have their kids become US citizens, they should be thrown back to their native country. It is not fair for the ones that had to pay large amounts of money to come to this Country the legal and authorized way. Pass this law, is great that they are sent back with their undocumented parents.
58406033Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 2:24 AM
Anchor Babies GTFO!
58392568Commonsense said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 1:32 AM
We must check DNA too
58391662Commonsense said on Thursday, Jan 6 at 1:31 AM
If their mother or father are a U.S. Citizen, then they become a citizen.
58391606chill out said on Wednesday, Jan 5 at 9:16 PM
So nobody born in the United States will be an American Citizen, How will they become one.
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