4 More California Members Co-Sponsor Birthright Citizenship Act (Bilbray, Calvert, Campbell & Hunter)
Reps. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), John Campbell (R-Calif.), and Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) have cosponsored the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa). All four Members signed onto the bill shortly after it was introduced in the 112th Congress. The bill currently has 56 cosponsors and amends current U.S. code to require at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident for a new born to receive automatic citizenship.
The Fourteenth Amendment extends citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and "subject to the jurisdiction"; it also grants Congress the power to enforce and define the provisions of the amendment.
Since the Civil Rights Act of 1866, Congress has defined Birthright Citizenship through appropriate legislation, which for decades has granted citizenship to newborns with both parents illegal aliens, foreign tourists or temporary foreign workers and students. The Fourteenth Amendment gives Congress the right to define birthright citizenship differently.
The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 would add to the existing federal code a provision that requires at least one parent of a new born to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident in order for the new born to receive automatic citizenship.
The United States is one of two industrialized nations (Canada) to offer Birthright Citizenship.Rep. Bilbray represents California's 50th Congressional District. He was identified as a "True Reformer" during the mid-term elections and currently chairs the Immigration Reform Caucus. Rep. Bilbray has earned a career A grade.
Rep. Calvert represents California's 44th Congressional District. He is serving his 10th term in Congress and has earned a career A grade. Rep. Calvert was identified as a "True Reformer" during the mid-term elections.
Rep. Campbell represents California's 48th Congressional District. He is serving his fourth term in Congress and has earned a career B+ grade.
Rep. Hunter represents California's 52nd Congressional District. He is serving his second term in Congress and has earned a career A- grade. Rep. Hunter was identified as a "True Reformer" during the mid-term elections.
For the full list of cosponsors, visit the Thomas section of the Library of Congress' website.