I Am An American

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Since the 1800s, immigration has been considered a problem that is out of control in the United States. Government officials have claimed that the issue of birthright citizenship is the core of the dispute over immigration. To try and remedy this situation, holders of public office have held hearings and debates in an attempt to “redefine” what it means to be an American citizen. Birthright citizenship is the term used to refer to the citizenship that is granted to an individual who is born on the associated territory. Providing an individual with citizenship of any state or country means that one now has the rights, privileges and duties of a citizen in the related region. In the United States, birthright citizenship is a highly controversial topic; constant debates are held to discuss the effects of this issue. Whether for birthright citizenship or against it, both parties collect main ideas and events to answer the same question—Should birthright citizenship be carried on into the future of the United States? In 1868, congress passed the Fourteenth Amendment that granted citizenship to all those who are born on U.S. soil. The Fourteenth Amendment was constructed to rectify the dispute that was caused by the Dred Scott case. Dred Scott vs. Sanford was a case where the U.S. Supreme Court said that African Americans that were imported to the United States and held as slaves could never be U.S. citizens because they were not protected by the constitution. In Section 1 of the 14th amendment it states “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. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the ... ... middle of paper ... ...es Constitution. N.p., 2010. Web. 08 Mar. 2011. . "ELK V. WILKINS, 112 U. S. 94 :: Volume 112 :: 1884." US Supreme Court Cases from Justia & Oyez. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2011. . "Immigration Foes Target Baby Citizens." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Cable News Network, 5 Jan. 2011. Web. 04 Mar. 2011. . Preston, Julia. "State Lawmakers Outline Plans to End Birthright Citizenship, Drawing Outcry." Nytimes.com. The New York Times, 5 Jan. 2011. Web. 4 Mar. 2011. .

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