To: Gumption
"...I would like to know why we ask immigrants
to become citizens if they are entitled to the same rights as citizens?
What would be their incentive?..."
# 135 by susangirl
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We don't ask them to become citizens.
They ask for the favor of citizenship.
The reason they ask for citizenship is the opportunity to enjoy their rights.
Historically, governments infringe upon a man's rights.
People come here because they believe that they deserve better.
True.
The reason they ask for citizenship is the opportunity to enjoy their rights.
No. Even as non citizens, while they're within the jurisdiction of the United States, they're entitled to "equal protection of the laws"(14th amendment).
The reason they ask for citizenship is so they can stay as long as they like, and won't be deported for breaking any INS laws. If they are granted citizenship, they won't have to worry about that.
According to accounts by my grandparents, we used to encourage immigrants to take the oath of citizenship. We also had them assimulate more than they do now.
People come here because they believe that they deserve better.
Agreed!
Gumption Even as non citizens, while they're within the jurisdiction of the United States, they're entitled to "equal protection of the laws"(14th amendment).
Just as if we were arrested in France, for example. We would receive treatment according to their laws as applied to their citizens, not according to the laws of the US.
I won't get into the 14th ammendment being used in discussions of the Bill of Rights, again.