Why does being born in the US almost always grant automatic citizenship?

2017-02-08T16:25:08-05:00

I've noticed in most countries, that being born there doesn't automatically grant citizenship. However, in the US if a Illegal comes in and pops out a baby then the child is automactically considered a citizen. There are few exceptions to this rule. Why should we reward criminals with citizenship? Throw them out, they shouldn't get citizenship just for being born here. What are your thoughts?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 4:28 PM

2017-02-08T16:28:24-05:00

I concur with this statement.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 8 at 2017 4:35 PM

2017-02-08T16:35:57-05:00

It is a 14th Amendment issue, all persons born or naturalized in the US, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the US and the state wherein they reside. This effectively overturned the Deed Scott case that the Court had used to prevent granting US citizenship to black Americans forced via slavery. The English common law concept of jus soli or birthright citizenship.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Feb 8 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-02-08T16:39:27-05:00

Two points if I may;
1. You post: "Why should we reward criminals with citizenship? " How on earth can you perceive a new born child as a criminal?

2. The 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States states that all persons born here are citizens. And, yes, it has been challenged in court and upheld. If a child is born in the US, they are citizens. Want to change that? Try to get a Constitutional amendment overturning that through the system.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 8 at 2017 5:36 PM

2017-02-08T17:36:51-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I see where you are going with this question (I think) but the logical points don't connect. The infant automatically becomes a citizen because of the wording of the 14th Amendment (see Capt Gregory Prickett's response for exact wording). I don't necessarily AGREE with the wording but such is the nature of the Constitution you, I , and every other service member swore to uphold and defend.

Now, it's just my humble opinion but maybe the better question we should be asking is, "Is it time we amended the language of the 14th Amendment to correct a legal oversight?"

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 8 at 2017 5:53 PM

2017-02-08T17:53:54-05:00

Hmm, the Native American side of me, is laughing at your question.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 8 at 2017 6:38 PM

2017-02-08T18:38:07-05:00

The verbiage should Have been better, and applied to indicate the Existing and Those of the Time who were Forced Immigrants ... Slaves...

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 8 at 2017 7:41 PM

2017-02-08T19:41:17-05:00

This issue was caused by liberal SCOTUS Justices interpreting the 14th amendment in a way not intended. It was meant to corrected an oversight to include the children of freed slaves.