Congressman Nathan Deal is proposing a change in the long-standing federal policy that automatically grants citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil. Supporters of Deal's proposal say "birthright citizenship" encourages illegal immigration. Opponents say the proposed law wouldn't solve the illegal immigration problem and goes against the tradition of welcoming immigrants. The 14th Amendment of the Constitution says anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen. Deal, who is running for governor, says the wording isn't meant to automatically give citizenship to babies born to illegal immigrants. Deal proposes that babies born in the U.S. would automatically have citizenship only if at least one of their parents is a U.S. citizen or national, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., or actively serving in the U.S. military.
(Associated Press)
(Associated Press)
