The changes which I am proposing would resolve this Issue. The joint resolution I am introducing would rewrite the citizenship clause to ensure that the citizenship of a person born in the United States is restricted to and dependent upon the legal resident status of his or her mother. The companion bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the same rule of citizenship. These changes are to apply prospectively. that Is. to persons born after the date of ratification. in order to avoid confusion and uncertainty and litigation and so that those children born here of illegal alien parents may not be deprived of reasonable expectations in the form of rights and benefits accorded to them by virtue of their automatic citizenship under existing law. In my opinion. this legislation will bring an element of reality and faimess to our modern Immigration policies. bringing them in line with those of other nations. It will satisfy the concorns of the framers and modern critics of Immigration law that American citizenship for all individuals born in the United States will be available to only those born to at least one parentthe motherwho is a legal resident of this country. Thus. it should relieve the growIng anger and dissent among our citizens who disapprove of the growing numbers of newly arrived foreigners In their midst and resent the granting of benefits and services supported by their taxes to those Immigrants who they suspect came to this country merely to have children and steal their jobs. By providing a degree of equity. this legislation could promote broader public acceptance of our generous Immigration laws and to those who benefit from them. Mr. Speaker.
Identified stereotypes
Suspecting that immigrants come to the country merely to have children and steal jobs.