[Cringing Negativism Network]

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.

[GrandEagle]

I like it. Simple, makes them look bad to vote against it, and covers 99% of the problem issues.

[BikerNYC]

In order to qualify for American citizenship when born, the MOTHER must be a legal resident at the time of birth.

When is that determination made? Do I, as an adult, have the right to prove that my mother was a legal resident and have any previous determination that I am not a citizen changed? Is the burden on the mother to prove that she is a legal resident or on the government to prove that she is not?

[Terabitten]

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.

It'd almost have to be *either* parent.

I'm recently married, but let's pretend my wife was a foreign national, legally living in the US as my wife. "Mom only" would mean that my child would not be a US citizen.

[moehoward]

"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. "

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All in Tancredo's guest worker program.