Republicans' Immigration Stance Sparks Debate Ahead of Election

Strategic Insights -

Leading up to the 2010 midterm elections and the 2012 presidential elections, a contentious issue has emerged among Republican lawmakers: the citizenship rights of children born in the United States to foreign diplomats. The debate revolves around the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to all persons born in the country. Critics argue that this provision is being exploited by foreign diplomats and tourists to secure automatic citizenship for their children.

Key Takeaways:

  • Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray advocates for changing the 14th Amendment to prevent children born to foreign diplomats from automatically receiving U.S. citizenship.
  • Bilbray's proposal has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it would disenfranchise freed slaves, while others claim it's about upholding the rule of law.
  • According to the Pew Center, 50,000 legal Latinos become eligible to vote every month, which could sway the outcome of elections if Republicans continue to push anti-immigration policies.
  • Congressional Democrats, such as Senator Patrick Leahy, are unwilling to hold hearings on the issue before the election.
  • Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that he would consider amending the Constitution to address immigration issues, but later clarified that it's necessary to follow an orderly process.
  • Critics, including Joe Johns and Gloria Borger, accuse Republicans of using the issue as a political tool to garner support from their base ahead of the elections.
  • Congressman James Moran from Virginia expresses concerns about the potential impact of asking individuals to prove their immigration status, which could lead to profiling and subjective conjecture.

Statistics:

  • 50,000 legal Latinos become eligible to vote every month (Pew Center)
  • Two-thirds of both houses of Congress are required to change the Constitution
  • Three-quarters of the states must agree to a constitutional amendment

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc., Ste. 500, 1000 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 USA
  • CNN
  • Pew Center