U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) announced on Monday he was co-sponsoring the recently introduced Birthright Citizenship Act.
The legislation aims to restore the 14th Amendment to its original intent and address the current misinterpretation of birthright citizenship. Congress has the power to clarify constitutional amendments, ensuring they are applied as originally intended by the framers, according to Aderholt.
The Birthright Citizenship Act ensures that automatic U.S. citizenship is granted only to children born in the United States with at least one parent who is:
A citizen or national of the United States;
A lawful permanent resident residing in the United States; or
A lawful immigrant actively serving in the United States Armed Forces.
"I am committed to ensuring that our nation's laws uphold the principles upon which they were founded. The Birthright Citizenship Act is a necessary measure to preserve the integrity of American citizenship and to prevent the exploitation of our immigration system," Aderholt said.
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, one out of every 10 births in the United States is to an illegal immigrant mother. Additionally, nearly 400,000 expectant mothers cross the border illegally each year intending to give birth in the United States. Once granted automatic citizenship, these children can initiate chain migration, opening pathways for extended family members to gain legal residency.
This practice has also fueled a global birth tourism industry, which takes advantage of the current loophole in U.S. immigration laws.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) also introduced a bill recently in the Senate that would restrict birthright citizenship.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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