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Domestically Born Children of Illegal Immigrants Overview

Domestically Born Children of Illegal Immigrants Overview

Introduction

The United States has long been a nation of immigrants. The country has been a melting pot for people from all over the world, who come to the country to seek better opportunities and a better life. Illegal immigration has been a topic of discussion for many years. It is estimated that there are 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and many of them have children who are born in the country. These children are called anchor babies or domestically born children of illegal immigrants. In this article, we will provide an overview of this topic, including the legal status of these children, their impact on society, and the controversies surrounding their birthright citizenship.

What is an Anchor Baby?

An anchor baby is a term used to describe a child who is born in the United States to undocumented immigrant parents. Under the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution, anyone born on U.S. soil is granted U.S. citizenship, regardless of the parents’ status. This means that the child of an undocumented immigrant is automatically granted citizenship, even if the parents are in the country illegally.

Legal Status of Domestically Born Children of Illegal Immigrants

The legal status of domestically born children of illegal immigrants is clear. They are U.S. citizens, and they have the same rights and privileges as any other American citizen. They can attend public schools, join the military, and vote when they turn 18. They are entitled to all the benefits and protections afforded to citizens under the law.

Impact on Society

The impact of domestically born children of illegal immigrants on society is significant. On the one hand, these children are American citizens who contribute to society in various ways. They excel in school, go to college, and become doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. They pay taxes, serve in the military, and help build communities. On the other hand, their parents are undocumented immigrants who are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as citizens.

Controversies Surrounding Birthright Citizenship

The issue of birthright citizenship is controversial. Some argue that the Fourteenth Amendment was intended to grant citizenship to the children of slaves who were born in the United States. They argue that the amendment was not meant to apply to the children of undocumented immigrants. Others argue that the language of the amendment is clear and applies to anyone born on U.S. soil.

One of the most significant controversies surrounding birthright citizenship is the idea that it creates a magnet for illegal immigration. Critics argue that undocumented immigrants come to the United States to have children who will automatically become citizens. They argue that this creates a burden on taxpayers, as these children are often entitled to government benefits.

However, research suggests that this is not the case. A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the birth of a child in the United States does not make it more likely for the parents to stay in the country. In fact, the report found that the birth of a child in the United States often leads to the parents leaving the country voluntarily.

Conclusion

The issue of domestically born children of illegal immigrants is complex and controversial. While they are American citizens and entitled to the same rights and privileges as any other citizen, their parents are undocumented immigrants who do not have the same rights and protections. The controversy surrounding birthright citizenship will continue to be a topic of discussion, as lawmakers and citizens debate the merits of this constitutional provision and its impact on society. Ultimately, the United States is a nation of immigrants, and the country will continue to grapple with the challenges and benefits of immigration for years to come.


Oftentimes, laws addressing children of illegal immigrants reflect the dated nuances, and at times archaic nature, of American immigration policy. The American government is complacent with its enforcement of certain portions of immigration law, while certain infractions result in a deportation without the consideration of any extraneous situations. Although all children born on American soil gain citizenship, the parents of a naturalized child who immigrated to the country under illegal pretenses receive no change in status.

This means that a large number of American citizens under the age of eighteen are faced with the danger of having their parents deported. Other times, strict American deportation policy provides for full citizenship to children of illegal immigration, but no further protection to illegal immigrants. If deported, the parents face a decision in which they must decide whether or not to bring the child back to their country of origin, or leave them behind with extended family with the hopes of that child’s prosperity in a more economically-opportune country.

Arguments based on the negative economic effect of illegal immigration fail to note the expense associated with the residual effects of deporting a certain individual, in which similar situations effectively illuminate the necessity for a complete overhaul of deportation policy.