Birthright citizenship is back in the news

This is just to get you up to date on the topic of the day. Like many similar issues, this topic applies to many different parts of both 2305 and 2306. I'll do my best to make those connections. Chances are this issue will run its course in a week or two, but the issues it raises won't go away, and will likely be revisited at some point in the future, especially if its politically resonant.

Here's a definition first:

A legal right to citizenship for all children born in a country’s territory, regardless ofparentage:he wants to amend the Constitution to remove birthright citizenship.

According to the Congressional Research Service, there are two ways one can become a citizens at birth:

There are two basic doctrines for determining birthright citizenship. Jus soli is the principle that a person acquires citizenship in a nation by virtue of his birth in that nation or its territorial possessions.3 Jus sanguinis is the principle that a person acquires the citizenship of his parents, “citizenship of the blood."

The former is written in the 14th Amendment and has been objected to repeatedly by those who believe it encourages illegal immigration, among other things.

Here are a few stories to catch you up with the controversy as it manifests itself currently.

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