Immigration Group Accuses GOP Of Attacking Kids

WASHINGTON - The latest diversion to genuine efforts to fix our outdated immigration system is the push by Republican Senators to change the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship to the children of immigrants born in the United States. Although efforts targeting the newborn of immigrants were traditionally confined to the fringe of the anti-immigrant and nativist movement, the issue gained new visibility as Republican Senators, including immigration reform champion Senator Lindsey Graham, called for the repeal of the 14th amendment.

“Our nation cannot revert to the shameful “separate but equal” doctrine that justified segregation in America for over 50 years,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “By denying the right to citizenship to children born on American soil, we will not only stifle the potential of success for countless Americans but we will betray the basic principles of equality envisioned by our Founding Fathers.”

“Not only is this proposal wrong for America but it is unpractical and unrealistic,” added Noorani. “Creating a permanent population without a nation doesn’t do much beyond amplifying hostility toward immigrants. Congress has clear, practical options for fixing our broken immigration system through workable, comprehensive immigration reform.”

“The majority of the American public is open and ready to have a real conversation about immigration policy and solving our immigration challenges. This attack on American children is just a distraction from real action.”