Vivek Ramaswamy is promising to end birthright citizenship once he’s elected. The subject has long been a bone of contention by political candidates, especially in presidential races.
A “birthright citizen” refers to an individual who acquires citizenship of a particular country by virtue of being born within the territorial boundaries of that country. This principle is known as jus soli, which is Latin for “right of the soil.” In contrast to jus sanguinis, which is the principle of acquiring citizenship based on the nationality or citizenship of one’s parents, jus soli determines citizenship based on the location of one’s birth.
Birthright citizenship has become controversial in the US for various reasons, and debates surrounding this concept often center on immigration, national identity, and concerns about abuse or exploitation of citizenship laws.
Birthright citizenship is a long-standing and well-established legal principle in the United States. The concept is noted in the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1868. The most-cited portion of the amendment states:
“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.”
Vivek Ramaswamy contends, among other reasons, that the law does not pertain to those who have entered the country illegally. He would argue that the original intent of the amendment was not to grant citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants, while others emphasize the text’s clear language regarding birthright citizenship.
Other arguments against birthright citizenship include:
• Illegal Immigration Incentives: Opponents of birthright citizenship argue that it can create incentives for illegal immigrants to come to the United States with the hope that their children will gain automatic citizenship. This, in turn, may contribute to concerns about the strain on public resources and social services.
• Potential for Exploitation: Some critics believe that birthright citizenship can be exploited by individuals seeking to take advantage of the constitutional principle for personal gain, without a genuine connection to the country.
• National Identity and Culture: Concerns are raised about the impact of birthright citizenship on national identity and culture. Critics argue that large numbers of individuals obtaining citizenship through birth may challenge the ability of the nation to assimilate and integrate diverse populations.
