What Next | Daily News and Analysis Can Trump End Birthright Citizenship?
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Jan 14, 2025 Isabela Dias, an immigration reporter for Mother Jones, dives into the heated debate over Donald Trump's vow to end birthright citizenship. She discusses the legal complexities tied to the 14th Amendment and the historical roots of this right in American law. The conversation reveals how the Wong Kim Ark case established citizenship rights amidst racial biases. Dias also examines potential strategies to overturn this constitutional guarantee, highlighting the profound implications for American identity and the ongoing immigration discourse.
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O'Reilly's Challenge
- In 2015, Bill O'Reilly challenged Trump's claim of ending birthright citizenship, citing the 14th Amendment.
- Trump insisted on his stance, claiming legal backing despite O'Reilly's skepticism.
Origins of Birthright Citizenship
- Birthright citizenship, or jus soli, originates from English common law and is enshrined in the 14th Amendment.
- The 14th Amendment, ratified post-Civil War, aimed to overturn the Dred Scott decision and grant citizenship to Black Americans.
Wong Kim Ark Case
- Wong Kim Ark, born in the U.S. to Chinese immigrants, was denied entry after a trip to China due to the Chinese Exclusion Act.
- Despite meticulous documentation, customs officials, motivated by anti-Chinese sentiment, detained him, leading to a landmark legal battle.