Citizenship by Birthright Up for Debate

Citizenship by Birthright Up for Debate

NORCROSS, Ga.

Laila Montezuma was 16 when she sneaked across the Rio Grande from Mexico
with her mother, only to be abandoned by the smuggler paid to get them into
the United States. They had to hire another "coyote" to reach Houston.

But Montezuma's own daughter will be spared those struggles. Even if
Montezuma and her husband are both deported for being illegal immigrants,
little Alma could eventually return to enjoy the opportunities her parents
sought here.

"She's not going to have to fight for anything for the simple fact that she
was born here," Montezuma said as her infant daughter played in a waiting
room at a pediatrics clinic in suburban Atlanta.

Alan Lichtenstein...

Indeed, Jim. I recall a thread some time ago, discussing this very
issue. I saw a number of posts, some attributed to legal scholars who
said that such birthright citizenship could be restricted to current
citizens. They offered cogent interpretations of the Constitution which
appeared to support that.

Problem is, Congress will have to pass legislation defining that. And
obviously, such legislation will be challenged, however, with the
current SCOTUS, I believe it will be upheld, and there will be no more
anchor babies.

The big hurdle is to get Congress to stand up on its hind legs and pass
such legislation. Even the House shies away from such a bold step. But
this is where those of us who recognize the problem should place their
efforts.