Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis made a bold pledge on Monday, stating that if elected president, he would eliminate birthright citizenship. This position aligns him with his closest rival, former President Donald Trump, who had previously announced his intention to challenge the legal basis for granting citizenship to those born within the country’s borders. Both DeSantis and Trump argue that birthright citizenship is a practice based on a “historical myth” and has contributed to illegal immigration.
Governor DeSantis expressed concern that offering citizenship as a reward to the children of illegal immigrants acts as a significant incentive for further illegal migration. He believes that this policy is inconsistent with the original understanding of the 14th Amendment and emphasized the need for courts and Congress to address what he perceives as a failed policy.
Section 1 of the 14th Amendment states that “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.” However, both DeSantis and Trump argue that the amendment has been misinterpreted over the years.
DeSantis criticized the long-standing discussions surrounding the end of birthright citizenship, accusing politicians in Washington, D.C. of merely talking about the issue without taking any concrete action. He vowed to be different, promising that if elected, he would follow through on his commitment to eliminate birthright citizenship.
He emphasized the need for decisive action and rejected any excuses from politicians. DeSantis believes it is time to bring the debate surrounding birthright citizenship to a conclusive resolution and to finally address the concerns associated with this policy.
From a conservative perspective, this stance reflects a commitment to upholding the original intent of the Constitution and ensuring that the privileges and immunities of American citizens are protected. By reevaluating the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and taking steps to address what they perceive as a flawed policy, DeSantis and Trump aim to uphold the rule of law and address the concerns surrounding birthright citizenship.
