Let's Talk About It
Birthright Citizenship
By Yvette Tello · Apr 9, 2026
Read in the original edition on IssuuThe 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that anyone born in the United States is a citizen, regardless of their parents' nationality. It’s a principle that has shaped generations of families and helped define what it means to be American. At the same time, the words etched on the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”, have long symbolized this country as a place of hope, opportunity, and new beginnings.
But today, conversations around birthright citizenship and immigration are more heated than ever. Some believe these protections should be re-examined, while others feel they are essential to preserving the very foundation of this nation. So where do you stand? Immigrants have always been part of America’s story. They have built businesses, served in the military, raised families, and contributed to the culture, economy, and identity of this country.
From generation to generation, their impact is undeniable. Is birthright citizenship a promise we must protect? Do the words on the Statue of Liberty still reflect who we are today? Or has our perspective changed over time? This is about identity, opportunity, and the future of our communities. Does the Constitution matter anymore? Let’s talk about it, ...
Let's talk about it: what our community said
Printed replies from readers on our page-2 conversation.
“While I tend to want to keep the birth right citizenship, it also can't be denied that it is willfully being taken advantage of by people who come here specifically for that. Stronger borders, and better enforcement for the laws that already exist is what I feel needs to happen, not changing the constitution.”
Lonnie Bradley
“This was never a problem when Europeans were immigrating here. If you were European born here you were always granted US citizenship. Now that Hispanics and others are immigrating to this country in higher numbers the GOP wants to completely change the rules that have existed for 100+ years. I'm sure it's just a mere coincidence though.”
Christopher Mora
“The reality is we wouldn't be shit if it wasn't for immigrants in this country. For those saying it was made in regards to slavery wtf is wrong with you? Are you guys so gullible you'll just repeat everything they say as if it was true? Feels like the Simpsons in this country lately. “”
Frank Burton
“Birthright citizenship should stay the same. Nothing should change. Our immigration has not changed. You can come to the US for a better life. Just like any of our ancestors before us. Just like them, you have to come here through our immigration process. Not illegally. That is all”
Sean Richardson
“Republicans say it was written for slaves. When the writers of the constitution gave us the right to bear arms. I'm pretty sure they were thinking muskets and not semi automatic or automatic rifles and pistols.”
Beto Medrano
“The invasion of criminal illegal aliens provided the cause to re-look at who birth right citizenship was meant for! It was written for slaves after the civil war, not illegal carpet baggers from other counties. It most certainly is not the fabric of America. People who legally immigrated here are the fabric of America!”
Enrique Martin
“Written for the slaves" and yet not one of these people of color who believe this has/ have voluntarily gone back to their country.”
Charles Edward Rodriguez
“Not all immigrants are criminals. They work for farmers, housing, construction and other jobs that Americans are too lazy to do. The people being deported are the innocent waiting on our court system to catch up which have been dismantled and have set the court system back years.This is for legal visa citizens to be able to work here who are not criminals. They are here and in due process. However, you have the elite like Musk and the rich Oligarchs that buy their way in and line the presidents pockets to own and operate business. Which in turn slaves the American for in some cases a cheaper wage. They get to operate tax free. While the American workers pay out the ass! Boom just like that! Matt B, ry "Birthright citizenship provides certainty and that certainty is what propels people to invest in their communities, to innovate and ultimately to create traditions that become unmistakably American," Padma Lakshmi writes. Allow me to explain your country's identity and how it includes me”
Henrietta Hernandez
“Actually it pertains to babies born to naturalized or legal citizens not any pregnant woman who sneaks into or is brought into this country illegally it clearly states they must NOT have allegiance to any other country but the USA and their children will be citizens upon birth it was written to cover the children born to LEGAL immigrants learn your history!”
Karen Perkins
“The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 to guarantee citizenship and civil rights to formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, overturning the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision. It established birthright citizenship, ensured equal protection and due process under the law, and addressed Southern "Black Codes" restricting freed people's rights. Key purposes included defining citizenship: It affirmed that all persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the US and their state, protecting formerly enslaved people. Maybe an image of text that says 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms. It will be because we destroyed ourselves., ABRAHAM LINCOLN”
Kenneth Mumma
“The words in the amendment are not vague about this. In addition, it has been upheld and solidified by a number of landmark cases through the years. Today, once again white supremacists are challenging this law. Fortunately the Supreme Court spanked them this time, but they will keep trying.”
Herb Rockman
“It was written for the slaves and it’s why we have amendments. Our forefathers knew they would make mistakes and left room to have them corrected or changed.”
Robert Vasquez
“LEGAL immigrants should get birthright citizenship”
Lew Yerian
“It was never a question until this administration started this chaos. The way Latinos are being treated and the Americans that are supporting them is horrible. I don't want anyone coming to this country and committing horrific crimes but that goes hand in hand with Americans committing them. I don't want that either. I am all for someone coming to this country and doing the jobs Americans simply refuse to do. They would rather stay on as much assistance as they can get than actually punch a clock.”
Amanda Cena
“Needs to change you just can't come on vacation or illegally and oops my baby is coming out now time to stop the infiltration maybe add a clause like when said baby becomes adult age 18 the should have to serve 4years military service to learn what all the men and women did for our freedoms since 1776 now it needs to change “”
Richard Cortez
“That world of our forefathers does not exist anymore, had they known the savages that would exist in our world that want nothing more than to rape and ravage this once great country, they would have written in protections for America and its citizens . Through those open borders all types of invaders came through some friend and some foe there are many that see your bleeding heart as weakness, only time will tell what kind of world we will leave are children and grandchildren”
Johnny Mascorro
“The Supreme Court needs to read and follow the constitution, not for the pleasure of one!”
Fran Cas