Born in the U.S.A.: Protecting the right of birthright citizenship
Birthright citizenship is spelled out in the first line of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution: "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."
TL;DR
- The 14th Amendment states that all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens.
- An executive order by President Trump sought to deny birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing the Trump administration's executive order.
- Historical context includes the Dred Scott decision and the subsequent passage of the 14th Amendment.
- The case of Wong Kim Ark affirmed birthright citizenship for a U.S.-born Chinese individual.
- There is public division on whether children of undocumented immigrants should receive birthright citizenship.
- Some scholars believe Congress has the power to limit birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized aliens.
- The majority of countries globally are moving away from birthright citizenship.
- The article emphasizes the importance of birthright citizenship for equality and American values.