Mexican families face difficult choice

AP on Yahoo ^ | 5/19/07 | Julie Watson - ap

[brytlea]

That’s the exact argument that is made. I wish it would be clarified now, to exclude those whose parents are here illegally. I am pretty sure that other countries don’t make citizens of those born of illegal aliens.
susie

[hophead]

All that and not ONE word about the ORIGINAL intent of the amendment.
It ORIGINALY was intended by the framers to extend the jurisdiction and protection of federal courts to all rights recognized by the Constitution and Bill of Rights against actions by state government.
It was to bring ex-slaves into full citizenship, not 2/3 of a person. It would then extend all the rights and protections under the US Constitution to every person WHO IS A CITIZEN of the country. If you are NOT a citizen, those rights and protections are not extended to you.

“Jurisdiction” means “the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law : the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised.”

It JUST means WE can apply “the law” as we have interpreted it.
I do not believe the SCOTUS has EVER had before it, the question of the meaning of this issue. Maybe its time.

[Lijahsbubbe]

What? Mexico does not have ESL or bilingual education for those who don't speak the language??? I'm appalled!

They can't pick the taxpayers pockets in Mexico like they do here.

[freekitty]

Why don’t they go back to their own country and change it. After all, they have sent billions back to their families. I would think that would be enough to take back their own country.

[freekitty]

And when they have changed their country; they can pay me back for all the money I have paid for their upkeep here.

[Arizona Carolyn]

Did Geraldo ghost write this for them? The beginning of the story sounds like his Fox Show last Saturday.

[dufekin]

The Supreme Court ruled in US v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) that the Constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship applies to the children of aliens—even those subjects of and loyal to an foreign potentate and ineligible for citizenship or even presence in the United States, provided only that the parents are neither foreign diplomats, Indian tribesmen, nor part of an enemy military invasion. Although the decision concerned the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, its reasoning leaves little doubt that the children of even illegal aliens born in the United States are citizens of the United States.

[dennisw]

I have zero sympathy for those who jumped ahead of people who wait to legally immigrate. Zero sympathy for their anchor babies too.

[ga medic]

Diplomats and their children are not subject to the laws of the US, but only to the laws of their own countries. We cannot prosecute them if they do something illegal.

I don’t think we want to give diplomatic immunity to illegals. Therefore, they are subject to the jurisdiction of the US. Unless the law changes, anyone born in the US is automatically a citizen.

[Sam Ketcham]

Once the Government takes legal action to delineate who is here legally and may be a citizen, then we can discuss the merits of their determination.

[kenth]

They’re American, and it’s not so easy as just changing a law, the 14th amendment will need to be changed. We can’t even get a sane immigration bill, do you think that we could get a Constitutional amendment ratified?

The kids are American, it’s easy to tell by the whining. LOL.

[dennisw]

The Supreme Court ruled in US v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) that the Constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship applies to the children of aliens—even those subjects of and loyal to an foreign potentate and ineligible for citizenship or even presence in the United States, provided only that the parents are neither foreign diplomats, Indian tribesmen, nor part of an enemy military invasion. Although the decision concerned the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, its reasoning leaves little doubt that the children of even illegal aliens born in the United States are citizens of the United States.

There have been very good cases made that demolish your case. In a good court with a good judge they would prevail and get rid of this anchor baby travesty

[Sam Ketcham]

Those BORN to citizens of a foreign country are NOT American citizens 14th Amendment. If parents SLIDE under the fence and have a child, the children are citizens of their parents country. If the children are inconvenienced, it is the parents that caused their distress not the US or its people.

The courts have interpreted the law but are basically legislating. The Amendment is clear. The Supreme Court never ruled on the 14th Amendment. The US is unique in the industrialized world allowing the illegals offspring to become de facto citizens.
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecenters4608

[Sam Ketcham]

One final statement on the 14th then we can all chase our own tails. My reading states that those born in the US was intended to make the SLAVES, FORMER SLAVES and THEIR CHILDREN citizens. The courts are SUPPOSED to look at the intent and law makers discussions of the law before adjudicating.

As someone pointed out, ILLEGALS are not subject to the laws of the US but their own country, therefore their children were never intended to be citizens. To assume that they are citizens means there is a need for another Amendment before they can be shipped out. But as the current Amendkment verbiage is adequate Congress merely has to clarify the meaning of the Amendment with another law.

BTW Canada had to change their citizenship law as all the Asians were flying into Vancouver and having their kids there or even in flight. Racist or Patriotic OR THEY COULDN'T AFFORD IT!... and neither can we. The door has to slam sometime. Australia closed its doors - stating "We are Diverse, no more immigration."

[Old Professer]

They have bleach in Mexico?

[ga medic]

“As someone pointed out, ILLEGALS are not subject to the laws of the US but their own country, therefore their children were never intended to be citizens”

If illegals are not subject to our laws, then why are our prisons full of them?

[contrarian]

I HAVE LEARNED SEVERAL THINGS IN THIS LITTLE ARTICLE.1. Bone dry villages have canals for bathing(full of what?).2.15 year old males cry in their sleep.3. Going home to Mexico helps asthma.4 There are NO grocery stores in Mexico(if there were, people would work in them)5.IF you get deported you can only go to one spot in the whole country.6. If you have no indoor plumbing and your house has a dirt floor, YOU CAN STILL BURN RAP MUSIC TO CD’S!( CDs MUST BE MADE OUT OUT HUB CAPS).7. In 2 years a 15 year old will be ....18!8. Have zero education and in the US you can become a manager in a grocery store.9. being an illegal alien does not mean you are a criminal 10. Being the child of an illegal alien GUARANTEES that you will get into an IVY league Law School. I can’t wait for the next installment. I am wiping the tears out of my eyes in anticipation.

[OldPossum]

I'll bet that author's computer monitor is covered in tears and handkerchief smudge marks.

How can you write such crap and consider yourself a journalist?

[grey_whiskers]

This is why the "touch base and return" policy is a LIE.

With the AP, Al-Reuters, and others, no politician will have the will to enforce it.

It is as much of a sham of the "Censure-Plus" option against Clinton -- which contained as its centerpiece the openly and explicitly Unconstitutional "Bill of Attainder".

Cheers!

[68skylark]

It actually depends upon one’s reading of the 14th amendment.

Until I read some comments here I didn't know there was any controversy about the rule that those born here are citizens. Thanks to both of you for the new perspective.

I agree with both of you that the U.S. isn't really to blame in this matter -- if we're looking to blame anyone I vote for the &^$%@ed up culture of Mexico, which offers its citizens so much poverty and stifled opportunities.

Until the courts rule otherwise, I also consider these kids to be U.S. citizens and I wish them all the best in a difficult situation that's not of their making. I hope they can return some day when the time is right for them, and contribute to our economy and culture -- whether that's now, or some time in the future.