[markomalley]

That is just the problem. An illegal alien is NOT subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. For example, that is why a sheriff in one county cannot arrest a person outside of his jurisdiction - his county.

That's the point.

The last clause of the 14th Amendment states, The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Therefore, Congress has the right to define what subject to the jurisdiction thereof means.

[jonrick46]

I believe you understand what millions have counted on that even more have failed to understand. If you understand what I just said, you are one of the smart ones.

[odawg]

Correct. That is why Congress, after about 50 years after the amendment was passed, thought it necessary to pass a bill making American Indians citizens of the United States. They were originally disallowed from being citizens, though born in the United States, of course, because they were considered to be under the jurisdiction of their tribal nations. That bill defines for all time what “jurisdiction” refers to in the amendment. It means allegiance, per the writing of the senator who wrote the amendment.