3 More Freshmen Sign Birthright Citizenship Bill (Griffin, Palazzo & Duncan)
Reps. Tim Griffin (Ark.), Steve Palazzo (R-Miss.), and Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) have cosponsored the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa). All three Members are serving their first term in Congress and were identified as "True Reformers" during their campaigns. 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. Griffin represents Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District. He won the seat vacated by 7-term incumbent Vic Snyder who had a career F grade.
Rep. Palazzo represents Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. He defeated incumbent Gene Taylor who was also a "True Reformer" and had earned one of the highest career grades among all Democrats.
Rep. Duncan represents South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District. He replaced Gresham Barrett who vacated the seat to run for governor in South Carolina.
For the full list of cosponsors, visit the Thomas section of the Library of Congress' website.