Im mixed on that one. I have seen successful indian (from India) have kids here and make something valuable of themselves and become productive segment of society.
I would feel bad for these people who lose that chance to become part of our country because of our institutional lack of border control.
Thats the real problem. Stop them at the border and the anchor baby scam wont occur.
I agree. That would help a lot. But lots of our illegals don't come across the border but simply overstay a valid tourist visa past its expiration date. What will we do about them?
One thing I think that would help a lot would be to reform the Family Reunification parts of our immigration law so even if the baby is a citizen, it can never sponsor in its parents as citizens when the baby becomes an adult. There is a fairly firm principle in our legal system that people should not benefit from their crimes. The illegals should NEVER become citizens as a result of crossing our borders illegally and having a baby.
The founding fathers never imagined "anchor babies".
We should find a compromise solution - one which is 100% true to the spirit of the original intent, without leaving the loophole for the anchor baby scam.
Thinking about the practical aspects of this - it might be difficult to have a rule that both parents be legal (since in many cases even long-time American mothers won't be able to present a "father" for such a rule)
How about, real simple. In order to qualify for American citizenship when born, the MOTHER must be a legal resident at the time of birth.
Not in the US on a tourist visa. Not on an expired student visa. Not here illegally.
Mom's an American resident, baby's an American.
Simple. Effective. Yet in no way, discourages (legal) immigration.
In fact, is rewards legal immigration, and following the rules. Something we really, really need.
As I understand Tancredo's proposal, kids of folks who are here legally would be citizens.
The Indian babies you refer to, they were born to illegals?
Wishful thinking, I am afraid.
They won't lose their citizenship. They were born here or immigrated here legally (I.E. They didn't hop over the Rio Grande or swim over Lake Huron to get into this country). You have nothing to fear.
I agree with a previous poster on allowing citizenship for babies born to someone who is here legally. Big difference to what is happening right now. The way it is now actually entices them to come across the border in the first place. Quit rewarding lawbreakers with citizenship benefits.
If they are breaking our laws to be here and have a child while here, the lawbreaker and their child should both be considered ILLEGAL and returned to their country of origin.