Birthright Citizenship is a common practice in the U.S. that allows children who were born on the territory of the United States automatically become citizens, regardless of their parents’ legal status at the time. In 1868 the Fourteenth Amendment that states “All person 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” made the birthright citizenship a part of the Constitution. This practice has created many debates whether or not to benefit children with citizenship, of illegal immigrants based on the Fourteenth Amendment. Linda Chavez in her essay “The Case for Birthright Citizenship” made two serious arguments that repealing the birthright…show more content… Moreover, in paragraph four and five, he explained his argument by supporting his point of view by what professor Lino Graglia said about a misunderstanding of the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” The authors and ratifiers of the 14th amendment couldn’t imply to give a birthright citizenship to a child of illegal immigrants because at that time the law had no restriction for the immigrants, and nobody would take into consideration that in about 150 years the situation would change dramatically, and the United States as a nation of immigrants would experience uncontrollable waves of illegal aliens. Furthermore, in paragraph six and seven Will also pointed out other groups of people, who are excluded from the birthright citizenship. If the supporters of birthright citizenship fight for equal rights for the children whether or not their parents legally staying in U.S., why were the Indians excluded from birthrights even though they were “at least partially subject to U.S. jurisdiction”? Also, a child of a foreign diplomatic officer not allowed to get a citizenship because technically he is not subject to the jurisdiction of the
