Trump to Begin Talks on Ending Birthright Citizenship
How Is It Possible?
President Donald Trump is preparing to initiate discussions about ending birthright citizenship, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants to end birthright citizenship, which is the right of anyone born in the United States to become a citizen. But until now, he has not taken any action on the issue.
Constitutional Amendment Needed
Ending birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment, which is a difficult and time-consuming process. It would require the approval of two-thirds of both the House and Senate, and then ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Trump has not said how he would go about ending birthright citizenship. But he has suggested that he could use an executive order to do so.
Legal experts say that an executive order would not be enough to end birthright citizenship. Only a constitutional amendment could do that.
What Is Birthright Citizenship?
Birthright citizenship is the right of anyone born in the United States to become a citizen. This right is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
The 14th Amendment was adopted in 1868, after the Civil War. It was intended to guarantee the rights of African Americans who had been freed from slavery.
The 14th Amendment states that "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."
Trump's Arguments Against
Trump has argued that birthright citizenship is a "magnet" for illegal immigration. He has said that it encourages people to come to the United States illegally in order to have children who will be American citizens.
Trump has also said that birthright citizenship is unfair to people who come to the United States legally.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters of birthright citizenship argue that it is a fundamental right that should not be taken away.
They argue that ending birthright citizenship would be harmful to the country and would create a two-tier system of citizenship.
They also argue that it would be very difficult to implement an end to birthright citizenship.
