Congressman Calls for End to 'Birthright Citizenship'

Says policy encourages illegal immigration
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted May 26, 2009 1:00 PM CDT
Congressman Calls for End to 'Birthright Citizenship'
Demonstrators unveil a "human billboard" at La Placita Olvera area in downtown Los Angeles, May 1, 2009 during a march and rally for immigration law reform.    (AP Photo)

A Georgia Congressman wants an end to a US policy granting citizenship to anyone born on American shores, the AP reports. “Birthright citizenship” granted by the 14th Amendment, helps fuel illegal immigration, says Republican Nathan Deal, who’s running for governor. But immigration advocates argue that a change wouldn’t stop illegal immigration and runs counter to American ideals.

Deal holds that the amendment wasn’t aimed at the children of illegal immigrants. His backers say it’s an incentive for such immigrants to come and have “anchor babies” who can later sponsor their parents’ entry into the US. But an ACLU rep says the proposal is a “fundamental contradiction to our nation’s long history of welcoming immigrants and bestowing inalienable rights” upon those born in the US. (More immigration stories.)

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