Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Anchor Babies Aweigh (Post #4)

The 14th Amendment (1868) guarantees citizenship rights to people born in the United States. Here is the relevant part of the 14th amendment:

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

This amendment was passed after the Civil War in light of the South's tendency to deprive slaves basic citizenship rights. For over 100 years since the passage of this amendment babies born in the United States have been granted US citizenship.

More recently, however, there are calls from some politicians to change what they call the "anchor baby" loophole. Proponents of this change argue that a large number of illegal immigrants take advantage of the 14th amendment by sneaking over the border, giving birth, and then reaping the benefits of citizenship for their family because the child born here is a US citizen.

Arguments in favor of birthright citizenship.
Arguments in favor of ending birthright citizenship.

Here is your task:
  • Does the original intent to the authors of the 14th amendment matter? Did they really think their amendment would apply to so-called "anchor babies?" Does it?
  • Should the 14th amendment be amended to prevent babies of illegal immigrants from being granted citizenship rights by birth?
  • Should citizenship be based on where you are born or what the citizenship rights of your parents are?
Definition of jus soli.
Definition of jus sanguinis

Please use good judgment in your responses.

125 comments:

  1. Omar Savala Bauer 5thJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    I personally think that the 14th amendment is perfect as it is. People that are born in that specific country should be granted citizenship to the country of from they were born.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I dont think anything of the 14th amendment should be changed. It also shouldn't be amended to prevent babies from getting their citizenship. A baby has no voice in choosing where it is born, if anything should be changed, it should be to punish people that abuse this right and take advantage of it.
    Jose Alvarez p4 Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, the original intent was to not allow slaves to be citizens, but that doesn't apply to now because there are no slaves. I don't think they thought of "anchor babies" at the time and I don't think it should apply unless the parents have been in the U.S. for a certain length of time or if parents prove their intent of gaining citizenship themselves.

    Melody Morphis
    Mr. Sloan
    per. 1

    ReplyDelete
  4. The orignal intent of the 14th amendment does not matter any longer, people born in the United States should have citizenship; there is no need to make a law or a new amendment. The law is fine as it is. Sloan p.3

    ReplyDelete
  5. TO START OFF I THINK THIS REPEALING BABIES LAW THING IS RIDICULIOUS. I THINK THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE CHANGED AT ALL AND LEFT LIKE IT IS. I DO AGREE THAT MANY IMMIGRANTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS, BUT IT IS THEIR WAY TO GET AHEAD. HAVE THE SENATORS EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT? I THINK IT IS UNFAIR AND IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR DECADES WHY CHANGE IT NOW?
    WHY ARE "THEY" BEING SO CONCERNED ABOUT IMMIGRANTS IN SUCH HARSH WAYS? I JUST STRAIGHT UP THINK ITS PATHETIC AND SAD.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Octavio Zavala Mr. Bauer 5thJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    i think that the 14 amendment is perfect. i don't think that they should change the way it works. I also think that babies that are born in the U.S because of their parents coming from other countries should also have the right to the 14th amendment.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The original intent of the founding fathers no longer applies therefor this amendment is no longer needed. The "anchor baby" issue is definately something that should be stopped. Why should our citizens pay into taxes and health care that immigrants reap the benefits of. Immigrants come over without social security numbers, have babies in our hospitals for free, then too often thean not, continue receiving government aid either without a social, or under a false one. Since slave rights or citizenship is no longer an issue, and the issue with immigrants taking advantage is, we need laws that adress the issues at hand.
    Kaylanie Lavender
    Mr. Bauer Per.1

    ReplyDelete
  8. I also agree that the 14 amendment is just fine the way it is and it would be stupid to take the citizenship from some born in the us be illegal parents it shouldn't matter were your parents are from if some one is born on american soil they are citizens the should not change

    ricardo villalpando
    pr5 sloan

    ReplyDelete
  9. I do think that the original intent of the authors of the 14th amendment matters. I think that the amendment was much needed at the time it was written, but slave rights and slave citizenship is no longer a problem in the US. Did the "amenders" forsee "anchor babies"?. Probably not. i don't think that the 14th amendment applies and it is time to make a new one that directly relates to the "anchor babies". While I do wish that everybody could live the "American Dream" and be a US citizen, I do not like that our compassionate system is being taken advantage of.
    kayla smith
    sloan per 2

    ReplyDelete
  10. The original intent does not matter at all in my opinion. However, I think that this amendment is necessary because it also aids immigrants that are legal. They shouldn't be punished, we should just do a better job of keeping illegal immigrants out.

    Sloan Period 3
    Bauer Period 4

    ReplyDelete
  11. i am in favor of birthright citizenship,it has been good for 100 yrs so why change it?Citizenship shouldnt be based on where our parents are from it should be where they are born and raised.Many immigrants do take advantage of it because they want their children to have better rights then what they had as a child.

    tania hinojosa
    p5 sloan

    ReplyDelete
  12. the amendment is fine, it would just take up more valuable time getting debated on if it became an issue. why not just enforce the borders with more security so you dont have to worry about the anchor babies.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The anchor baby issue shouldnt be an issue. It just atema from peoples problems with immigrants.The amendment is fine, its political crap that people are wasting time on.
    Rebecca miles
    Ap bauer 4th period

    ReplyDelete
  14. I believe the 14th is fine the way it has been for many many years. This country is made up of immigrants, everyone has the right to come to America, but they must do it legally and for the right reasons.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think that the amendment is fine and it should not change. Babies that were born im america should become a citizen because they didnt choose where they were born.
    Tori milligan
    Sloan
    Per. 3

    ReplyDelete
  16. I belive the fourteenth amendment should stay the fourteenth amendment because the original intent of the auhtors of the fourteenth amendment was so that people bron in america would automatically become citizens.I dont belive people are taking advantage of this but i do think its a very touchy issue.

    Clarisa Carrillo
    per.4
    sloan

    ReplyDelete
  17. I believe the original intent of the 14th Amendment is no loner necessary because it has to do with slaves. If a child is born in the United States then they are a legal U.S. citizen but it does not excuse the parents from illegally hoping the border. Therefore any rights the parents would obtain from having a child in the United States should not be given to them until they obtain U.S. citizenship.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Asher Maroot- Sloan P,1January 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    i think that people should continue to honor the amendment where anyone born in the US is a US citizen. Just because someones parents were born outside the US does not mean they are automatically a citizen of that country. When it comes to illegal immigrants coming to America with plans of having their child in America, i still think the amendment should be honored and the child given citizenship. t may be illegal for the parents to cross the border, but they are in the country and every US rule and regulation now applies to them

    ReplyDelete
  19. Eh, they'll do what they do. People will take advantage of anything, so attempting to stop it really doesn't do much good. I'm sure there'd be a loophole if they did something about it anyways, and there'd be protests and all that jazz. Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.

    Brian S.
    Per. 4 Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am reading a lot of "it's not the babies fault"
    It is the parents fault.
    According to current law the parents should not be here, but the kids is a citizen. We should send back the parents and the kid. The kid can come back when he is 18, or lives with an American citizen who is an adult.
    That is what they should do under current law.
    I don't like it.
    I think their parents should be American citizens for this to work now.

    The 14 amendment is no longer functioning with its intended purpose. It should be removed.

    Caleb Newman

    ReplyDelete
  21. The original intent of the authors doesn't really matter anymore and they didn't really think about the anchor babies because immigration wasn't as big of an issue as it is today. In my eyes the 14th amendment is fine as it is; you are a citizen of the country if you are born there or become naturalized...simple as that.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Changing the 14th Amendment to keep illegal immigrants out of the United States would not only do that, but also defeat the purpose of why the Amendment was ratified in the first place...freedom for all. Granted, many immigrants do abuse the Amendment, but it has been like that for decades. Our labor force and capital, even our culture depends greatly upon 'anchor babies'.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Maria Schmidt, Bauer, Per 5January 19, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    I think the amendment applies to so-called "anchor babies". I do not believe the amendment should be changed because the parents make the decision of where their child will be born, not the baby. If someone is born in the United States, they should be granted citizenship and the rights that come along with it. I do not think that citizenship should be based on the citizenship situation of the parents.

    ReplyDelete
  24. EJ Keller
    Per 4
    Sloan
    I think the founding father intended this for every american citizens no matter their race. I believe that illegal immigration is over slowly over populating the U.S. The 14th amendment is not being upheld like it should be.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I believe that the citizenship status of the parents of an "anchor baby" should matter. People are taking advantage of the system and the amendment. I know that illegasl immigrants usually just want a better life and better opportunities but there are perfectly legal ways to do that. The system for becoming a legal citizen may not be perfect but it does exist for those that care about respecting the laws of this country and the country itself. If the amendment were to be changed it should include something about the citizenship status of the parents. Yeah, it's not the baby's fault but it's not like the baby knows any difference either. He/she has the opportunity to become a legal citizen when they are old enough to care and know the difference. Bauer/Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  26. Enrique Angulo
    Bauer
    P.2 Government

    It seems that the farther we move on in life the more we see politicians trying to change an amendment. If a baby is born here then he should be granted as a citizenship regardless of where the parents come from. If the U.S. wants to stop illegal immigrants from coming to the United States by enforcing the 14th amendment then this will definately not stop them from arriving to what used to be the melting pot where any race came to live and work to try and conquer their dreams.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I believe that a child must have parents with legal U.S. citizenship in order to be a citizen of the U.S.. This would prevent anyone from abusing our system.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Currently, the fourteenth amendment is serving as an incentive for people to illegally cross the border and have their children in the United States. I don't think we should provide incentives for illegal activities, so I think a new amendment is needed.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I believe that the fourteenth amendment should not be changed because, to be honest it is not the kids fault for having parents who came here to have them...so no they shouldnt change it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Miriam Bejines P.5 Mr.SloanJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    In my opinion the 14th amendement is fine as it is because it does not matter if illegal immigrants are coming just to give birth here what matters is that the child has the right to be a citizen even though some people dontl ike it.I think that this issue has to do with racism towards immigrants.Im just saying..

    ReplyDelete
  31. Josh Agans, Bauer P.5January 19, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    i dont think the 14th amendment should be changed. the babies born here are US citizens to me. it isnt their fault for their parents being illegal. they didnt do anything wrong so why punish them and take away their citizenship. besides the border control are also to blame here since the illegal immigrants are getting over here in the first place. i would look to help enforce a better border control before we think about changing an amendment.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Seriously? The 14th Ammendment is fine just the way it is. If you are born here, you are an American Citizen. If we send legal American citizens back to the country that their parents are from, well we all better start packing, because originally, our ancestors came here illegally. If this does pass, and it probally wont, it directly effects my family. My brothers father isnt here legally, and if this law passes it means my brother will be sent to Mexico, a country he has never been to. Does that make any sense? To take my 10-year-old brother from his family, and send him back? I dont think so.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I believe that the babies born in a specific country like the United States should have all the rights of that country. The 14th amendment should not be changed and that it should stay the way it is! Babies born here should have the same rights as we all have under the constitution.

    Brian Leiva
    Mr. Sloan
    Period 5

    ReplyDelete
  34. i think what the THEY are tring to do is to getpeople not to come to this country and have their babies to stop the FREE RIDERS from riding our system
    vern iniguez
    SLOAN
    p1

    ReplyDelete
  35. in my opinion the 14th amendment needs to be revised. the babies are still in there mothers wombs when they come to the u.s illegally so i think the babies should be considered illlegal too since they are their families possession.
    kim hernandez
    sloan p.4

    ReplyDelete
  36. The original intent of the authors to the 14th likely was not for "anchor babies". Despite this, the amendment should not be amended. The legal status of parents should not determine citizenship for babies born in the U.S. I don't think anyone born in the U.S. should be denied citizenship.

    ReplyDelete
  37. gabriel mabalot bauer 4January 19, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Yes the original intent does matter, for this defines the way we decide citizenship. The babies born in the united states with parents that are legal citizens should still be considered legal citizens, however, their parents should not be. citizenship should be based on where you were born.

    ReplyDelete
  38. My opinion is that the constitution should only be changed to a more detailed wording and modern day wording. It should never be changed because of one person.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Chelsea Ray, Sloan p.1January 19, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    I think that the 14th amendment is fine the way that it is. If a child is born in the United States it should be considered a US citizen. Its not the childs fault that their parents are illegal, they shouldnt be striped of their rights as a citizen to this country if they were born here.

    ReplyDelete
  40. kayla rodriguez sloan5January 19, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    the original intent of the founding fathers doesnt apply anymore meaning this amendment isnt needed. the "anchor baby" issue should be stopped. others shouldnt be leaching onto the benefits that we earn for ourselves. immigrants are havin babies in our hospitals for free without social security numbers and recieving our aid. i think that we need laws that apply to our current problems in order to please the citizens.

    ReplyDelete
  41. i think that the intent of the fourteenth amendment when it was written should not matter because at the time it was written this problem was not an issue. now the babies should not be in trouble, anyone born in this country should be allowed to receive the benefits of being a citizen. if the country wants to stop this problem we need to keep the illegal immigrants out.

    ReplyDelete
  42. i think that thats the good thing is that people from other places can come here and have there kids so they can be citizens that way people cant get deported but the issue is other not likeing immigrants and makeing immigration laws to be mean to them




    Melissa Lomeli
    mr.sloan 5

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think that the 14th amendment is good as it is. People that are born in that specific country should be given citizenship to the country of from they are born.The baby didn't get to choose where to be born neither, so its not the babies faught. Just leave how the 14th amendment how it is.

    Santiago N Diaz

    ReplyDelete
  44. Domino Sloan 5th Period.January 19, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    I personally believe that everyone should have the right to come to America and begin their lives. it is completely unfair to tell a group of people they arent allowed to begin a life in a place that "accepts all races". Your citizenship rights should be determined by if your born here, not by your parents citizenship.
    -Dominique Jimenez

    ReplyDelete
  45. that law was intended for slaves and should stay that way. why are we rewarding people for their illegal actiona if they want citizenship then they can do it the legal way come here then have their baby

    ReplyDelete
  46. I believe that the fourteen amendment should stay as it has been. Citizenship should be granted to childrens that are born in the country. But then again i also think that immigrants do take advantage of their childrens citizenship.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Who writes in all caps?
    Weird.
    Anyways, i say we leave the amendment as it is. Honestly, it's not hurting us. They want citizenship so their child canhave a better future. Honestly. Just sayin'.

    Daniel Ruiz
    Sloan Per.5

    ReplyDelete
  48. It's really tricky to make an amendment where loopholes cannot be found. I think the granted citizenship to anyone born in the US is an okay law, to an extent. Although it shouldn't really matter where your parents are legal citizens, there is a point when illegal immigrants are acting ridiculous trying to obtain citizenship. Hoping over the state lines just to give birth in the US borders seems ridiculous to me. I don't know exactly how you could improve the law that would take away this loophole but also not take away people's rights to be a US citizen.

    Devin Smith, P.1., Mr. Bauer

    ReplyDelete
  49. Brian Magina, Sloan P.3January 19, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    The 14th amendment is good the way it is. There is no reason to change it. If someone is born in the U.S., no matter where their parents come from or how they got to the U.S. should not matter, and that baby should have full rights as a U.S. Citizen.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Steven Reichmuth, Bauer, period 2January 19, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Yes I agree that the parents are using the 14th to their advantage, but there is really nothing we can do about it besides kicking out the parents. If the goverment were to modify the Amendment then it opens up the whole constitution to being modified. Once one amendment is modified, the 14th being most likely Republican support, then who's to say the gun control happy Liberals couldn't modify the 2nd Amendment later.

    ReplyDelete
  51. First off, no I do not believe the original intent matters any more since we are no longer in that same situation it had been made for. I also don't think it ever crossed their minds that the amendment would apply to anchor babies as this didn't happen back then. I do on the contrary believe that the fourteenth amendment does indeed need to be changed so it no longer grants citizenship of illegal immigrants' babies born here. By definition, a citizen is a "native or naturalized person who owes ALLEGIANCE to a government and is entitled to protection from it." By no means does the child show allegiance, or fidelity, if only to return to the country where it lives (i.e Mexico). Therefore, citizenship should not be based upon where you are born. It should in fact be based on the citizenship of one's parents.


    --Sloan
    AP Econ, Period 3

    ReplyDelete
  52. In my opinion i think if a baby is born either in the United States then they are citizins but it doesnt mean that the parents should just try and get legal that way by jumping the border.
    Aniscia Silva
    Sloan
    Per 5.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Danielle Smith, Sloan P1January 20, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    The original intent obviously matters, but it's really not relevant anymore. It doesn't apply in the context it was written anymore. That was for slaves...and we don't have slaves anymore. I'm sure they didn't think about "anchor babies" when they wrote it. It shouldn't apply to them though. Illegal immigrants coming in and having babies just to get ahead and receive the benefits isn't right and it should be prevented. Frankly, if borders were enforced as they should be and people stayed in their own country, this wouldn't be an issue and we wouldn't be writing this blog. Enforce border laws; the problem will get rid of itself.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think that the 14th amendment should not change. I think that we should let the babies be legal if they are born here. It is not their fault if their parents brought them here.

    ReplyDelete
  55. wasn't there already a blog on this? anyways, i agree with jared. it isn't the kids fault. he's just a baby for crying out loud! give the kid a chance! hey my friend nate foster just found out that he's going on a mission to texas for church. not really relevant i suppose.

    the parent should not be legalized. their punishment is to take the child back to mexico or leave it in american foster homes.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I don't think that just because you have a baby here should make you a citizen of the united states. I think that you should still be considered illegal until you go through the citizenship process. Illegal immigrants and their babies should be sent back home without citizenship. Sloan per 1

    ReplyDelete
  57. Emily Staab Bauer Per 2 :)January 20, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    i think the ammendment is causing too much conflict. If the parents want their kids to be legal US citizens, then they can have the baby born here. But the parents should not be allowed citizenship.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I think that it is only fair if the person who is born here should at least live here for a certain amount of years first so that the 14th amendment isn't abused. immigrants that come to the u.s to have their children born here are hoping for a better children of course, but they should not be granted citizenship themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  59. No, I do think illegal immigrants should reap the benefits of the 14th amendment. It was used back in after the civil war to serve a purpose. "Anchor Babies" are indeed using that loophole. I think we should ratify the amendment, and deny birthright citizenship.

    ReplyDelete
  60. The 14th amendment should not be amended to prevent babies of illegal immigrants from being granted citizenship rights by birth. The parents should be the one to get punished, as many had stated. It is true the the 14th Amendment is being abused, and I believe that it abusing the 14th Amendment should be prevented. Since the amendment is already written, let it be. Find another way to solve this problem. Punish the parents, not the kids.

    Chrissy Vue
    Sloan
    Period 3

    ReplyDelete
  61. I think that this amendment should stay the way it is. like some have said children dont choose were they want to be born, so they should have a right to benifit from govt aid just like any other baby that was born in the U.S.
    monica salazar
    mr. sloan

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hannah Engebretsen/Bauer P2January 20, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I think the admenddment should stay the same. It doesnt matter if the parents arn't from the US. If the baby is born in the US, then that child should have the same US citizenship as another other child born here.

    ReplyDelete
  63. The original intent of the 14th amendment DOES matter. If you're born here you're born here and you're a citizen in the country you were born in, thats that. I do think that the amendment does apply to "anchor babies" because well if your born here you are a part of the United States, im pretty sure when making this amendment they had a pretty good idea on what they were doing. I think that the 14th amendment SHOULDNT be amended, isnt this supposed to be "land of the free?" by amending the amendment sounds a little racist. I mean why would anyone do that?? I think ones citizenship should be based on where one's born NOT where their parent's were from. Why have rights and privileges from another country you're not even from? Amending the 14th amendment is ridiculous.

    adilene vazquez
    sloan period onee

    ReplyDelete
  64. I think no one should make any changes to the 14 amendment, it's perfect and fair the way it is. If the babies are born from ilegal immigrants in the U.S, they would be like any other natural born citizen because it is the country they were born in. If the 14 amendment changes leaving natural born citizens from immigrant parents without citizenship, then what citizenship would they have? It would be sad if they made a change to this amendment because it is just ridiculouse.

    Karen Villasenor
    Mr.Bauer
    Per: 2

    ReplyDelete
  65. I think the 14th amendment is excellent the way it is. No changes need to be made. ANYONE born in the U.S. should have citizenship. And I think that's the way it should stay. Illegal parents just want what is best for their child.

    Melissa Quezada
    Mr. Bauer
    P.2

    ReplyDelete
  66. Margarita Flores per.5 Mr.BauerJanuary 20, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I think that they should not change anything its fine the way it is right now and should be left alone.The 14th amendment shouldn't be amended to prevent babies of illegal immigrants from being granted citizenship rights by birth.
    Citizenship be based on where you are born, or what the citizenship rights of your parents are or not.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I think that the law should just be kept the same because why should the child be taken citizenship away even if he or she was come form illegal parents its not the kids fault so the law should just stay the same.

    richard manzo
    pr5 sloan

    ReplyDelete
  68. Maria Perez
    Sloan P.4
    I believe that the 14th amendment should stay the same to let the kids of immigrants have the same rights, that if they are born in the U.S. they should be legal citizens, no matter their parents legal status. I believe that most of the parents that immigrate to the U.S. from their original country its just to improve thier lifestyle, and for more and better opportunities, like jobs.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Here's an idea- why don't we secure our border with Mexico? That way we can circumvent illegal immigrants from entering this country in the first place, or would that proposition be too "racist?"
    (Sloan P.3/Bauer P.4)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Originally I don’t think the authors of the 14th amendment believed that the US would have the immigration problem that we have today. The founders wanted all people born in the US to be equal and have certain unalienable rights. I think the amendment should be changed and take into account the citizenship of the child’s parents, at least one parent should be a US citizen.

    Mariska Vanderspek
    Phenix P.1

    ReplyDelete
  71. Cierra Gonsalves, Mr. Bauer, Period 2January 20, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Yes, the original intent of the 14th amendment matters because without it, we wouldn't have a contrasting issue on citizenship rights and how legally being born here gives you the rights of an American. The amendment should apply to "anchor babies" as well as it does to everyone else. In some ways however, I do believe that the 14th amendment should be amended. Yes, because its wrong of a parent to benefit from his/her child's citizenship rights even if the parent fully intends for the child to have a better life. No, because if the founding fathers included the amendment in the constitution it was therfore supposed to be enforced and not ratified. Citizenship should be based on where you were born because it makes more sense that way. If you are born somewhere and you've become a custom to your own country you've obviously learned to adapt to different rules, restrictions, and laws. However, if you come to find that you want to move, then by all means apply for citizenship in The United States or where ever you wish to go.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Katie Frogue, Sloan P1January 20, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    I believe the 14th is fine the way it is.. This country is made up of many different people, & everyone has the right to come to America, but they must do it legally and for the right reasons

    ReplyDelete
  73. Courtney Wright
    Phenix Per.1
    At the time the 14th amendment was written it was important and it did the job it needed too. Slaves being seen as citizens may have been an issue in 1868, but in todays society that isn't an issue. I believe the amendments were written so that it could be changed and develop as the rest of the world develops. I do think the law should change however, it is important to keep in mind that the birth of a baby (even an immigrant's baby) is not the child's fault and they should not be punished for their parents wrong doing. Also if border patrols were not letting illegal immigrants across like they are suppose to, there wouldn't be this problem.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Janeiry Balderas, period 4, Mr.SloanJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Though the 14th amendment gives all people born in the U.S. citizenship, the argument whether this should be taken away takes away the so called freedom that this nation offers. I believe that it is wrong since where are those children going to belong since obviously they do not belong in the parents nation, because indeed they were never born there. So where are the children from? no where land.., well that is something that should be taken into consideration. As for the child they have no fault and the choices that their parents make should not condemn the poor children. Anyways all of this land is made up of immigrants so what, then take away everyone's citizenship, technically only native American could have that right then. But in conclusion i believe that the 14th amendment should stay as it is.

    ReplyDelete
  75. i think the reason immigrants take the risk to come to the U.S. and have their children is to have more opportunities,not to harm anyone but to improve their child's life. For that reason i believe the 14th amendment should not be changed unless it includes rights for the proggres of all immigrants in the US.
    Cristina Bernal
    Mr.bauer
    P.3

    ReplyDelete
  76. The principle of being an American citizen by birth is an important one that I don't think should ever be changed. Yes, there are some "issues" with non-citizens trying to have their children in the U.S., but I don't even see what the problem is with that. Immigrants are usually the hardest working people in American society. Snobs that protest about jobs and so forth should go work for ten hours a day for less than minimum wage and then tell them to stay out of the United States.
    Caleb Boyd
    Mr. Sloan
    Per. 2

    ReplyDelete
  77. I dont think anything should be done to the 14th amendment. Whether or not you think it's right or wrong for illegal immigrants to cross the boarder to have their kids here, it makes sense for everybody who was born here to have citizenship here.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Changing the amendent is pretty much ridiculous. This would unleash further challenges in society. They should simply leave it as is.

    Guadalupe Velasquez
    Sloan, Period 1

    ReplyDelete
  79. The 14th was intended for former slaves so that they would be given citizenship because before the 14th technically they were not. Personally, I believe that the parents should either be citizens or have lived in the US for a certain amount of time or have some other remarkable circumstances. I think when foreign nationals, whether it be Asian, Arabic, European, African, or Mexican, come here don't learn our language, and then waive their foreign flag over the US flag while soaking up all the welfare benefits they can is wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  80. The fourteenth amendment should be left the way it is. Citizenship has always been about where the person is born, not where their parents were born. Why change it now? Although the founding fathers did not intend to create anchor babies, their intent is not relelvent anymore with our time. It seems that the original intent is only considered when it benefits, if not it is all up to interpretation. I think that the idea of politicians thinking about taking such actions is ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  81. First I would like to say that the original intent of the 14th amendment does not matter anymore because it has been so long. I believe that all of the children born in the US should be citizens. If there are some people that cheat the system so be it, we are a country built on immigration, we should be elated that so many people even want to come to America that badly. Yes I agree that all immigrants should come to legally, but if they are that smart and they think that America is that great, why not allow their offspring to be citizens? Dspite this, they should put a provision in that says that these children can never become president. Also even though I have stated all of this, I believe that we should work hard to stop all illegal immigration so that this action becomes unnecessary.
    Bauer per. 1
    Sloan per. 3

    ReplyDelete
  82. The amendament should just be modified to deny citizenship to illegal aliens babies. It is not fair that our tax dollars and resources go towards this. The original intent of the 14th does matter though.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I think Babies has the right to be a citizen if they are born in the United States,they don't know where they are born or not. Also, I think their parents should become citizens too if they be living in the U.S for a long period of time.
    Sania Bacha
    P.3 Bauer

    ReplyDelete
  84. I believe that the 14th amendment is fine the way it is. People should be granted citizenship to the country from where they were born no matter what.

    -Ivan Cardenas
    Mr. Sloan Per. 3

    ReplyDelete
  85. I believe that the 14th amendment should be modified and deny illegal aliens babies citizenship. What are the babies gonna do here, their parents are not legal and they can not take care of them selves they should all be deported together. It just adds to our debt and uses resources we do not have.
    Spencer Pellandini
    Sloan
    P.1

    ReplyDelete
  86. I believe the 14th amendment is good the way it is. There is no reason to change it. If someone is born in the U.S then they should have full rights as a citizen. no matter where there parents come from.
    Bauer
    p.5

    ReplyDelete
  87. I dont think they really had anchor babies in mind when they were writing the 14th amendment. I think citizenship should be based on where the parent is born because then the imigrant parents cant do what they are doing now and iff that child wants to become a U.S citizen then they could come become one later on in life.

    Steffanie Eisenga
    Sloan
    Per.5

    ReplyDelete
  88. I think that babies that are born in the U.S. should not have rights if the parents are illegal since the country complains about illegal immigrants. i know its not the babies fault that they're not born here but all people have to do is come here legally and there would be no problems

    ReplyDelete
  89. I do not think the 14th amendemnt should be changed. The people who wrote this amendment probably did not intend the amendment to give citizenship to "anchor babies", but that shouldn't matter. What matters is how the U.S government choses to interpret the amendment; if the government wants to base citizenship on the place one is born, then they should keep it that way.

    Omar Hoyos

    ReplyDelete
  90. The law is the law. The amendment gives the right to a child born in the US, American benefits. The amendment doesn’t specify whether or not the parents are in the country legally. I personally don’t think those children should get benefits because their parents broke the law by coming to America illegally but some have found this loop hole and take advantage of it. In order for the government to not grant these children benefits I think the amendment would have to be changed, otherwise, the children are legally allowed the benefits and no one should complain because technically, the children didn’t do anything wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Sergio Maldonado, Soan p.3/ Bauer p.4January 20, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    The original intent does not really matter, after all the time that has passed and now that slavery doesn't exist. The 14th ammendment should not be ammended just because of illegal immigrants because some immigrants of other countries come to the U.S legally and have their baby be born in the U.S just so that it has U.S citizenship. Citizenship should be based on both methods becuase if the parent is a citizen then the child should also be a citizen, but in the illegal immigrant case, the babies aren't really at fault for where they are born, so they should be granted citizenship.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Emily Geiszler, BauerJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    I don't believe that the original intent of the Founding Fathers really matters anymore. I don't think that they could forsee illegal immigration being a very big problem. Babies born in this country to illegal immigrants should still be givin citizenship rights, it is not their fault that their parents chose to put them in a situation like this. However, I do not think that the parents should be granted citizenship rights as well, just because they have a child living here who is a legal citizen. Maybe citizenship should be based on where your parents have citizenship rights. It would solve many problems we face today with illegal immigration.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I don't believe that anyone who is born in the u.s should be granted citizenship unless that persons parents are legal citizens themselves. It would be to easy that way.

    Victor Alvarez
    Sloan 5

    ReplyDelete
  94. If this amendment is to be changed, there is going to be a whole lot of "ifs" "ands" and "buts" to go along with it. For example, I think that if a baby is born here, it can be granted citizenship under circumstances of the parents. These circumstances would consist of things such as: The baby will be granted citizenship when one or both parents are granted citizenship, or; it will be granted citizenship so long as atleast one of the parents has a job(which can include but is not limited to college or military service), as well as does not commit any misdemeanors, felonies, etc. Overall, quite frankly the anchor baby subject is no worse than illegal immigration or natural born citizens that abuse governmental aid programs(such as whelfare)

    ReplyDelete
  95. It does not matter what the original intent of the 14th amendment was but i think it is a good thing. If you were born here you are a citizen here. Those who wish to come to our country legally are okay, its just those who come here illegally that seem to cause the problems.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Michael Freeman Per 5 SloanJanuary 20, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    For starters, I believe that you must be born in the united states from a mother that is a current resident of the united states. Second, the way the world was when the 14th was created is nothing like it is today. The people that created that amendment probably had no idea we would become something like this, because it was ahead of their time. Back then, they were all illegal so it was not that big of a deal for someone wanting to do this. Now days, everything is political and has more rules then we did back then because it is not the same anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  97. i think that they should just leave the 14th amendement how it is. if the child is born somewhere it should be a citizen there. if the parents are not citizens where their child is born then oh well. the system is working fine.
    erika oropeza
    mr.sloan
    p.4

    ReplyDelete
  98. Zachery Atkins
    Mr. Bauer
    Period 2

    I'll come right out and say it, I don't like that Mexicans are using the 14th amendment like this. It is illegal for them to cross the boarder and that's why the fence is there. At the same time that I say that I will also say that if it was up to me I would not change it. If they care enough for their children to know that coming to this country will give them the best chance in life than that's good, that, I believe, is why the amendment was made. So yes there's a fence to stop it, but they can cross legally if they go through the process of becoming a citizen. When this nation was just getting started people would come here by the ship load because they thought it would be the best opportunity in life to take by the handles, but with overpopulation came very low wages. It happened then and it can happen now, the illegal aliens may not like what could be in store for them. Sure we have a minimum wage law, but most illegal aliens are paid under the table so they could end up being paid a dollar an hour if there is too high of a concentration of them.

    ReplyDelete
  99. I believe the original intent for the 14th amendment is valid, although i dont like the way people take advantage of the system. Its not the 14th amendments fault for illegal immigrants over the border. That falls upon border patrol and our government to control that.
    Joshua Barnhart

    ReplyDelete
  100. I believe that the 14th amendment shouldn't be amended to prevent babies of illegal immigrants from being granted citizenship rights by birth. Because our nation has prospered throughout its history by attracting immigrants from all parts of the world, and an important part of the attraction of America to those generations of immigrants, including today’s immigrants, has been the promise of a better life for their children as American citizens. 

    ReplyDelete
  101. Didn't we already have a blog on this?...anyways.

    I think that these people taking advantage are wrong. But I mean at least their kids will have a better chance of success in the future since they are citizens having more opportunities. Still though. I don't like it.

    ReplyDelete
  102. I think the law is fine as it is. The authors of this amendment didn't expect this, but I believe they should keep it the way it is. If they change this law how would they decide who is a citizen or not, and would previous citizens lose their citizenship? The law works the way it is so they should not change it.

    Zach Mietz

    ReplyDelete
  103. Alexis Watson Bauer 3January 21, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I don't see why someone can get citizenship by just being born in that country when everyone else has to go through all of this paperwork and tests to become a citizen. It just doesn't seem fair and isn't that what we are all trying to acheive?

    ReplyDelete
  104. everyone born in the us should have the right to citizenship no matter the legal status of their parents. the so called anchor baby is not the intention the original founders had in mind when they created the 14th amendment. they entended for every one who was born in their land to have the same rights as everyone else...
    alondra munoz
    sloan p5

    ReplyDelete
  105. I believe that the authors didn't expect people to take advantage of it. I don't think the amendment should exist, because a person who is not born here and has children shouldn't have children be automatically citizens. People work and try their best to pass the citizenship test, and then there are kids becoming citizens who have parents who are illegal aliens. This amendment shouldn't be taken advantage of, because it's simply not right. Citizenship should be based on the parents' citizenship rights.
    -Kevin Rodgers, Sloan, Period 2

    ReplyDelete
  106. I do think that they should change the reason why is because they cheat the system unlike some people who worked hard to become a US citizen

    Bauer
    Period 2

    ReplyDelete
  107. Ii find it quite rediculous that we americans are even discussing this topic. Are we that selfish as a nation to not share our land? The immigrants cherish our world because we have better opportunities then they do.. all they want to is to have a greater chance in life n especially for their children. Its not the immigrants are coming here to harm us or cause troube. Some of the main points that anti-immigration fighter try to cross are that they cause so much crime, they take american jobs, and they don't contribute to the ccountry. I find this very funny that they even try n say this. When the facts are that many gangs n crimes ar done by citizans rather then immigrants. Gangs started here in prisons not by immigrants. Yes there are those few that do cause crimes however most of them are here for better life n wouldn't do anything to jepordize that. Next tey try n say "oh the immiggrants take american jobs". Yes they do take the jobs that americans are to lazy to do.they work in fieldsand construction for many hours, harsh working conditions, and minimum wages. Image the world with out immigrants we would have nothing producing or no hard workers. It been proven that some americans would rather hireimmigrants then citizens because they work harder and faster without complaining. In factories n field worl yu only see mexicans n other races but never white ppl because they would rather be jobless tjen break a sweat.. some immigrants even pay taxes so that if they ever get caught up by the government then they could at least say theiy are making an attempt to become a citizens n that they are contributng to the country.
    All in all I believe the 14th amendment shld not be changed because they are just looking for a better life. N plain n simple if yur born here yur a citizen. It shouldn't matter what the original intentions of the amendment were because there's no way we can tell now. N I believe that the constitution elvolves with the country not we evolve around the constiution. PLAIN N SIMPLE IF YUR BORN IN THE UNITED STATEs YUr A U.S CITIZEN

    ReplyDelete
  108. In my opinion i think if the child is born on U.S. soul he should be a U.S. citizen. People come here to make a better live and living and its not like they are harming anyone so why not just give them a chance to prove themselves. So overall i think that the 10th amendement should not be changed at all.

    Jaskiran Kaur
    Mr. Bauer
    Government
    Period 2

    ReplyDelete
  109. Period4 Mr. Bauer
    I believe the intent of the founding Fathers should be taken into consideration to make sure our new laws do not contradict what the founders wanted. Of course our laws will very as time goes. I think changing the 14th amendment in anyway is wrong. its fine the way it is. i didn't really even know anchor babies were a constant problem. This is the first time i have heard of it. i think politicians should stop worrying about anchor babies since i see any real solution without violating the 14th amendment.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I think if we put more substantial effort into our border security, we wouldn't have to be dealing with this issue. The children of the illegals should be able to stay, but not the parents. Wait, Marklin, but you'd be tearing their family apart. Well, there should be consequences for their actions. Is that such a concept. Get punished for doing something illegal.
    Marklin Nixon
    Mr. Sloan Per. 1

    ReplyDelete
  111. This is one that I'm not completely sure of my opinion on, but I feel like if someone's going to come over the border to have their baby, they would have come over the border anyway--either way their child has to live in the US with their family. If we give the child citizenship, they can go to school, eventually pay taxes, and become a good addition to our society. If we do not grant them citizenship, they will likely end up being one more person feeding off of us. and so will their children, and their children's children, and so on. I think it is in our best interest to grant the child citizenship, as they had no choice in the matter to be here, and they deserve every chance in life that every other citizen has
    Sasha Schotzko-Harris
    Bauer 1

    ReplyDelete
  112. jacob farrar
    bauer 4th
    i think it is alright, we could make a few changes on if the parents of the born chiled are not citizens, we would make a test or challange to see if they are worthy enouph to stay..

    ReplyDelete
  113. I think the original intent of the authors matter, because they wanted the 14th amendment to give citizenship to people who resided and were born in the US. I think the amendment should be ammended to incorporate the authors orignial intent, so illegeal immigrants can't take advantage of the system.

    ReplyDelete
  114. The 14th amendment should definatly be changed due to the fact the orginal purpose of it is over. The anchor babies are no excuse to allow their parents to stay in the U.S. They should be sent back to whatever country they came from and legally obtain citizenship. It is not legal to illegally cross the border and have a baby... that is why it is considered illegaly crossing the border.

    the amendment should be amended to outlaw anchor babies and allowing them to be an excuse for thier illegal parents to stay in the country.

    ReplyDelete
  115. The orgional intent most certainly does not apply here, but I think "anchor babies" should be legal. The US is supposed to be an open, fair, and democratic country. Who knows, that baby could be the next president or amazing astrophysicist?

    ReplyDelete
  116. I think the 14th amendment is important, but there is no doubt that is being taken advantage of. I don't think the amendment should stop people born here from being citizens, because immigration is the key "problem" here, and I don't think that ammending this will result in much good for anyone, people or politicians.

    ReplyDelete
  117. As the country has progressed so should some of the factors of the constitution. The initial intent of the 14 amendment should not apply. I do think, however, if one is born in the united states they should be a citizen. Their parents should not be able to reap the benefits.

    Gabriella Cello p.3 Mr. Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  118. This is the U.S i thought its suppossed to be the "best" country in the world. Now you see why every nation hates us. "Anchor babies" let it happen let it be legal. When older they should pay taxes just like us citizensif not, they have to go.
    Jordan Elzie per 2sloan

    ReplyDelete
  119. i think that the "anchor babies" born in the US should have the right to the 14th amendment because they cant control what their parents do. but maybe instead of changing the 14th amendment, the government should crack down more on illegal immigrants actually getting into the country
    ~~brooke fletcher:)
    mr. bauer
    period 3

    ReplyDelete
  120. I dont think that the amendment should be changed because of the anchor babies because the U.S. has always been a country that promises new lives for people in need.

    Gerardo Salcido
    Bauer/P.5

    ReplyDelete
  121. Alejandro Ibarra (Mr. Sloan, P.1)January 25, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    I find it hard to believe that people give it so much thought. Maybe if the U.S. just stopped caring then immigrants would just stop as well over time. to me anyone born in the us should be a citizen because they should have as much right as anyone else we are all just people in th end trying to better our lives.

    ReplyDelete
  122. I think the government should actually try for once to enforce the border, and stop offering illegals shelter in the US. I also think anchor babies should not be considered US citizens unless the parents or at least one of the parents is. However, I dont want to deny anyone a place to give birth in the US even (if they are illegal) in case of emergency, only I think that is the farthest the government should go to help illegals.

    ReplyDelete
  123. i think that the amendment is rite but i do not like the fact of people just coming in our country illegally and having babies so they can become citizens. why don't they just get a green card and come over hear legally and have babies.

    bauer, p.3

    ReplyDelete
  124. I think that legislators should be focused on more important things than this "anchor baby
    " issue. The real intention of our fathers was meant for the children of foreign embassaders. This is why I see no real point in legislators trying to pass this new law for babies of foreign countries. The real intention of our founding fathers was probably very different from our times today. I do not think that ourt founding fathers were thinking of illegal immigrants and their babies when they wrote the constitution.

    ReplyDelete
  125. I think that this amendment should stay the way it is. Children don't choose were they want to be born, so they should have a right to benefit from government aid just like any other baby that was born in the U.S. If someone is born in the U.S then they should have full rights as a citizen no matter where there parents come from.
    Stephanie A
    Mr. Sloan
    Per.4

    ReplyDelete

All comments will be reviewed before they are published. Make sure to leave your name to receive credit.