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The terrible mistake of revoking birthright citizenship: U.S. owes Mexicans more, not less
New York Daily News ^ | Thursday, January 6th 2011 | Rogers M. Smith

Posted on 01/06/2011 9:22:56 PM PST by presidio9

As the new Congress convened, a group called State Legislators for Legal Immigration proposed two laws. One would declare that children of parents who immigrated here illegally are not born "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. and so are not birthright citizens under the 14th Amendment. Under the other, states would issue two types of birth certificates, one for those born "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. and one for everyone else.

The states have no power to pass the first proposed law. Congress may be able to, but it is a bad idea that will not halt illegal immigration. It also has no chance to pass the Senate or override President Obama's certain veto. If it were enacted, the courts would strike it down. It is symbolic politics expressing special hostility to Mexican immigrants, who comprise almost 60% of the nation's undocumented population.

This is a the opposite of how we should be making immigration policy. The U.S. owes more, not less, to Mexico and its immigrants than it does to other nations.

Why? Because the U.S. has treated Mexico in ways that it has treated no other nation, creating potent incentives for Mexicans to move north. Yet our immigration policy applies the same per-country cap to Mexico that it does to countries from which few wish to leave.

If the U.S. apportioned more of its overall legal immigration admissions to Mexicans, it would do far more to reduce its numbers of illegal aliens than any change in birthright citizenship would.

To suggest that the U.S. privilege Mexicans over other nationals is heresy in Washington - not to mention in Arizona.

But it is common sense if one studies history.

The story begins in 1846, when partly due to concerns that Mexico had abolished slavery, the U.S. provoked a war that resulted in America acquiring half of Mexico's territory, including the vast natural resources of California and Texas. No other nation has lost so much land to the U.S. except the Indian tribes, whose members now all have citizenship. Mexicans could stay on their conquered lands if they became American citizens. But few could provide land titles to American courts, so most lost their lands and had to work for U.S.-owned farms, mines and industries.

In the late 19th century, the modernizing Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz drove many Mexican small farmers off their soil, turning the lands over to American-owned railroads and mining companies, who employed many of those they helped displace.

Patterns were set: Many Mexicans found they could make a living only by working for American companies, often moving to the resource-rich north to do so. Through the 20th century, American employers in farming, manufacturing and service industries often recruited Mexicans when cheap labor was needed - then callously supported mass deportations, even of Mexican-American citizens, when labor surpluses arose.

Meanwhile, many Mexicans in the U.S. suffered from severe discrimination, despite their desire to work hard and contribute to America. Many, therefore, had strong senses of their distinct cultural identities, developing a kind of cultural "dual nationality," American and Mexican.

In sum, U.S. policies have created to our south a large population that has strong kinship ties to Mexican-American communities and well-founded beliefs that they have better economic opportunities in northern areas, many once part of Mexico, than they do at home. They immigrate, more than any other nation's people - and most are then productive, peaceful residents who seek to retain their cultural identities, like many other Americans, but who are glad to become loyal citizens.

Not all Mexicans fit those descriptions. But if the U.S. altered its policies to expand opportunities for those who do, it would reduce illegal immigration and express the best American values.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Mexico; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 14th; 14thamendment; aliens; amendment; birthright; california; citizenship; constitution; history; immigration; mexico
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To: iowamark

The distinguished professor must have flunked history.


61 posted on 01/07/2011 3:37:26 AM PST by Fresh Wind
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To: presidio9

Horse crap.
Round up ALL illegals and send them back to from what ever crap hole they came from.


62 posted on 01/07/2011 3:46:55 AM PST by Joe Boucher
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To: presidio9

More than a quarter of Mexico’s population has already fled north. The lowest class; now the middle class, what’s left of it, is heading our way. The oligarchy will simply move to Switzerland and live off drug money if too many of their relatives are murdered. Meanwhile those here illegally take jobs away from legal Americans, and they’re destroying our culture, mores, and values, not to mention the healthcare system. Hispanics culturally do not value education. (Nor do many blacks.) They’ve done studies nationwide and found that more than 50% of Hispanic kids drop out of school, and it’s not because bilingual education isn’t pervasive. Their parents don’t make them stay in school, and they can’t see past the end of their noses.

Democrats will continue to push govt. provided care from cradle to grave, including housing, walking around money, food, whatever. Socialism from the nanny state writ large. So why should they think working for a living is sensible? The work ethic and American values run contrary to socialism. It’s like stemming the tide. Sure, let ‘em all in, and give more. Then Guatemala, Costa Rica and points south, not to mention Africa will claim they’re discriminated against. If they’d stay home and apply the work ethic, integrity, and mores that are the foundation of America to their own countries, the world would be a far better place.


63 posted on 01/07/2011 4:02:01 AM PST by hershey
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To: presidio9

Another Anti-American Bigotry piece.

The border sealed, all the Illegal Aliens deported...anything else is Amnesty.

I am tired of seeing Americans losing their jobs to third world Mexicans, tired of seeing Americans subisdize Illegal Alien Mexicans through our tax dollars...and tired of Americans being criminalized by Illegal Alien racist Mexicans.


64 posted on 01/07/2011 4:02:15 AM PST by UCFRoadWarrior (Whenever something is "Global"...it means its bad for America)
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To: Republic_of_Secession.

I heard recently that many Indians (from India), come here to have an anchor baby. Then they return to India, happy that their child will be a US citizen, etc.. With all that implies. This is a growing world wide phenomenon, and we’d better put a stop to it.


65 posted on 01/07/2011 4:05:13 AM PST by hershey
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To: hershey
"Then they return to India, happy that their child will be a US citizen, etc.. With all that implies. This is a growing world wide phenomenon, and we’d better put a stop to it."

I think this is a different situation from those here illegally. LEGAL visitors ARE "subject to the jurisdiction of the United States". If they drop the kid during the LEGAL visit, then current law applies. NO illegal immigrant, simply by virtue of their "non-documented" status is "subject to the jurisdiction of...".

I agree that the practice should be terminated, but I don't think you can equate the two situations.

66 posted on 01/07/2011 4:26:56 AM PST by Wonder Warthog
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To: Paladin2

“Mexico stole all of its land from the indigenous pre-Columbian population. Mexico needs to take the lead and disband.”

And the “indigenous” stole it from the Anazazi who were there before them. Kick them all out and send them back to Asia!


67 posted on 01/07/2011 4:32:57 AM PST by ViLaLuz (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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To: iowamark; Liz; AuntB; Willie Green; okie01

“Rogers Smith is Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania.”

He is distinguished in title only.


68 posted on 01/07/2011 4:48:44 AM PST by Clintonfatigued (Illegal aliens commit crimes that Americans won't commit)
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To: presidio9

“Because the U.S. has treated Mexico in ways that it has treated no other nation, creating potent incentives for Mexicans to move north.”

In other words, America is a nice place to live and Mexico isn’t.


69 posted on 01/07/2011 4:53:08 AM PST by frposty (I'm a simpleton)
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To: presidio9

A jeeez, right out of the gate this morning. What a load.


70 posted on 01/07/2011 4:56:32 AM PST by MileHi ( "It's coming down to patriots vs the politicians." - ovrtaxt)
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To: Once-Ler

By their deeds you shall know them. Want to survive in the real world, form your judgement on people based on that principle and in general you will survive. Illegal immigrants were given an opportunity to express themselves in the first pro Amnesty demonstrations nationwide. Guess whose flag was waved in the massive demos - Mexico! Guess what the signs waved stated - Southwest belongs to Mexico thus they deserve to stay in US southwest. Guess how they reacted to the leftist Atzlan La Raza remarks against America, loud applauses. Guess whose flags were burned at the demos, US flag. Guess who cannot wear T shirts with US flags in many Southwest public schools with large Latino student body - US flags. Yeah you are right, Latino advocate groups do not reflect common Mexican people and illegal immigrants. Please stop it, Americans have eyes and the brains to discern what they see.


71 posted on 01/07/2011 5:29:52 AM PST by Fee
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To: Fee

I recall, only a few years after 9/11, reading of more than one soccer game, with American teams playing, but the crowd was mostly Mexican - where the crowd chanted “Osama.” I believe one of those games was even in the US.


72 posted on 01/07/2011 6:16:22 AM PST by drpix
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To: HiJinx

US owes Mexico nothing. Mexico treats us as if we were its dumping ground for its surplus population and its deviants. The president publicly criticized us while our guest in Washington. Mexicans, and other nationals, invade our country and, full of entitlement, demand special perks. Mexico has become an enemy nation.


73 posted on 01/07/2011 6:28:16 AM PST by Dante3
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To: presidio9
"U.S. owes Mexicans more, not less"

What a steaming pile.

74 posted on 01/07/2011 6:33:51 AM PST by Joe Brower (Sheep have three speeds: "graze", "stampede" and "cower".)
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To: presidio9

Perhaps we should amend our immigration laws to make them as tough as Mexican immigration law.


75 posted on 01/07/2011 6:40:23 AM PST by windsorknot
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To: Clintonfatigued

We need to get this jerk’s emails, text messages, snail mail and cell phone records——to determine when he gets his orders-—and his paychecks-—from Mexico.


76 posted on 01/07/2011 6:48:28 AM PST by Liz (There's a new definition of bipartisanship in Washington -- it's called "former member.")
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To: Once-Ler; Fee
"Latino advocate groups do not reflect the opinions of common Mexican people."

According to a Zogby poll of Mexican citizens (LINK) they do:

Do you agree or disagree that the territory of the U.S. Southwest rightfully belongs to Mexico?
Agree: 58 percent
Disagree: 28 percent <= *
Not sure: 14 percent
Do you agree or disagree that Mexicans should have the right to enter the United States without U.S. permission?
Agree: 57 percent
Disagree: 35 percent <= *
Not sure: 7 percent
*This means only 28-35% of Mexicans believe that the U.S. Southwest does NOT belong to Mexico and that Mexicans do NOT have the right to enter the US as they please. And 57-58% believe the opposite.

As for the professor's slant on history, see the bullets in my post #59

77 posted on 01/07/2011 6:53:22 AM PST by drpix
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To: All
People suckered-in by the "here for a better life" scam should see this.

AUGUST 3, 2010 Illegal Arizona protesters desecrate
the American flag (rescue attempts blocked by DHS and L/E)

Photo from illegals' protest at the Arizona capitol Aug 3, 2010.
Capitol Police and DHS prevented US Veterans from intervening.

Defacment is a crime. Threatening to undermine the US govt is a crime.

WAITING TO GET THEIR ORDERS FROM MEXICO
Reconquista shock troops at Phoenix Capital protest, May 29, 2010.

Illegals----May Day Marchers----plot to takeover the USA, shooting cops in the process.
SIGN: "You owe us America. We will shoot more Arizona police until we get free."

========================================

The Obama admin continues to tolerate this ntl-security nightmare for fear of offending the Mexican government, the National Council of La Raza, and other immigrant advocates....all of whom are providing Democrat voters to endangered Dems. This outrage is burdening taxpayers and corroding our sacrosanct system of laws.

78 posted on 01/07/2011 6:56:42 AM PST by Liz (There's a new definition of bipartisanship in Washington -- it's called "former member.")
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To: presidio9

The US has propped-up Mexico for the last century. Manufacturing, cash (through drug trade) and infrastructure assistance, particularly in the oil industry.

The lazy population and corrupt government blew it.


79 posted on 01/07/2011 7:51:21 AM PST by PhiloBedo (You gotta roll with the punches and get with what's real.)
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To: presidio9
The richest individual in the world is a Mexican.

We killed them fair and square for this land, and will kill them again for it if necessary. We stole the land from them that they stole from the Indians who, no doubt, stole it from some earlier tribe at some point.

France wasn't France until the Franks came and took it. Normandy wasn't Normandy until the Normans came down from Norway and took it from the French. The Normans took England from the Saxons who had taken it from the Angles, etc.

We owe Mexico nothing but a good kick in the ass for being such a basket case and exporting their peasant class to America and benefiting so much from the repatriation of BILLIONS.

80 posted on 01/07/2011 8:00:17 AM PST by allmendream (Tea Party did not send the GOP to D.C. to negotiate the terms of our surrender to socialism.)
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