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The Controversy Surrounding "Anchor Babies": A Spotlight on Immigration Policy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the US presidential race continues, the term "anchor babies" has become a contentious issue, with both Donald Trump and Jeb Bush using the phrase to discuss immigration policy. The term refers to children born in the US to undocumented immigrants, who are granted American citizenship by the 14th amendment to the constitution. However, many see the term as dehumanizing and inaccurate, and several Republican candidates, including Bush, have been criticized for its use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The term "anchor babies" is often used to describe children born in the US to undocumented immigrants, who are granted American citizenship by the 14th amendment.
  • The 14th amendment, ratified in 1868, grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States".
  • The term "anchor babies" is considered dehumanizing and inaccurate by many, and several Republican candidates, including Jeb Bush, have been criticized for its use.
  • The Hispanic Leadership Network, a group working to build GOP support among Latino voters, has advised against using the phrase "anchor baby" in a memo titled "Dos and Don'ts of Immigration Reform".
  • Several Republican candidates, including Donald Trump, Rand Paul, and Lindsey Graham, are in favor of ending birthright citizenship.
  • Jeb Bush has stated that he does not want to end birthright citizenship, saying that "people born in this country ought to be American citizens".

Statistics:

  • The 14th amendment to the constitution, ratified in 1868, grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States".
  • Children born in the US to undocumented immigrants can sponsor their parents for citizenship when they turn 21, but the process can take years and is extremely uncertain.
  • If family members entered the US illegally, they must return to their home country for 10 years before they can return and file for citizenship.

Sources:

  • Twitter, Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton), "How about 'babies,' 'children,' or 'American citizens'".
  • Fox News, interview with Donald Trump and Bill O'Reilly.
  • The Hill, memo from the Hispanic Leadership Network titled "Dos and Don'ts of Immigration Reform".
  • New York Times, article on Jeb Bush's use of the term "anchor babies".
  • 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on July 9, 1868.
  • The American Heritage Dictionary, definition of "anchor baby" as "offensive".

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