Children are now in the center of the immigration controversy. The 14th amendment automatically grants citizenship to children born on American soil, regardless of the status of the parents. But some Republican leaders in Washington are calling for a change.
It's a question that's sparking a heated debate. Should a child born here in the USA be an American citizen, even if the parents are not?
"I think anyone who is born here has a right to be an American citizen. It's something that we've had as a long standing tradition, it's part of the government. And it's that way for a reason," said Derek Schmeling.
"I don't think they should be US citizens off the bat. I think that if their parents are illegal, just because they are born here doesn't mean they should be a US citizen," says Mike Dunn.
Barrie Gewanter, Director of the Central New York Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, says this country needs serious immigration reform, including a clear path to citizenship.
But she says changing the constitution, is not the way to do it. "We are a nation of immigrants, and I think our constitution recognizes and respects that. I don't think that we should be trying to address failure of Congress to look at a broken immigration system, and fix it, by trying to alter the fundamental values that we have chosen to include in the constitution," said Gewanter.
"America is a land of immigrants, the only non-immigrants are the indigenous people of this land," said Lidscha Arbakow.
The 14th amendment was adopted so southern states could not deny citizenship to freed slaves. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham says times have changed, and so too should the law. "It makes no sense to me to award citizenship when someone breaks the law to get here," he said.
Other Republicans are showing support as well, including Senator John McCain and Senator Mitch McConnell, who want to take a closer look at the issue. McConnell is calling for a congressional hearing. Though changing the constitution would be tough. Two-thirds of both the House and Senate need to approve it, and three-quarters of the states must ratify the change.
So what do you think? Vote in our online poll or join the conversation by posting a comment below.
