Safeguarding Birthright Citizenship
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Safeguarding Birthright Citizenship
Introduction
There have been a lot of debates on birthright citizenship in the United States for decades. Due to factors such as racial prejudice, there have been several attempts to modify birthright citizenship to deny citizenship to the children born in the U.S. to unlawful immigrants. I agree with the author that ending the practice of birthright citizenship is a terrible idea because it will be misunderstanding the American history, and it will essentially change what it means to be an American.
The author uses logic to convince the audience that birthright citizenship should not be repealed. The author, for instance, explains how American history has been characterized by naturalized citizens, Indians, and freed slaves, and there was no child born in the U.S. belonging to any of these groups who were denied citizenship. “This expansive view of who is an American has been critical to our successful assimilation of millions of newcomers” (Chavez, 2010). The author is trying to convince the audience that all people born in the United States should be considered citizens, and there is no need to amend the constitution to eliminate them. “Congress has heard testimony estimating that more than two-thirds of all births in Los Angeles public hospitals, and more than half of all births in that city, and nearly 10 percent of all births in the nation in recent years, have been to mothers who are here illegally” (Will, 2010) With large numbers of babies born to mothers who are in the United States illegally, putting an end to the granting of birthright citizenship would have severe consequences to many people. Instead of attempting to eliminate the children born in the U.S. by illegal immigrants, the Republican leaders should focus on how to help them become better Americans.
The author is trying to convince the Republican leaders attempting to modify birthright citizenship by appealing to their emotions. Specifically, the author wants the leaders to consider the impact of their decision on the future of the people who will be affected. For example, the author explains how this move will negatively affect the lives of all people born in the United States by illegal migrants. “More importantly, ending birthright citizenship would fundamentally change what it means to be an American” (Chavez, 2010). Some people would end up living a terrible life once they stop enjoying the benefits of being citizens of the United States. “A parent from a poor country can hardly do more for a child than make him or her an American citizen, entitled to all the advantages of the American welfare state” (Will, 2010). This means that the children born to illegal immigrants will live a poor life because they will not be enjoying the different privileges provided to Americans. The Republican leaders have a duty to protect the rights of all American citizens, whether by birth or naturalization.
Conclusion
All leaders should be on the frontline when it comes to making laws that better the welfare of all citizens. Making reforms to favor one group at the expense of others is a sign of poor leadership and takes a country backward. Providing all citizens with equal opportunities regardless of their ethnic backgrounds and eliminating all forms of prejudices provides a conducive social, political, and economic environment for a country. This is the only way that leaders can promote equity
References
Chavez, L. (2010). The Case for Birthright Citizenship. The Wall Street Journal-Digital Network.
Will, G. (2010). Birthright citizenship: Let’s fix the 14th Amendment. Orange County Register.