Representative Steve King (R-IA) plans to take on birthright citizenship as likely chairman of a House subcommittee on Immigration.
King says that the Framers of the Constitution weren’t thinking about babies of illegal immigrants when they passed the 14th amendment in the Dred Scott case because there was no immigration law at that time. He plans to pass legislation banning “anchor babies,” with the plan that if there is any opposition, he can challenge it in courts or on the chance he loses, he will move for a constitutional amendment to change the practice. Other Senators have also spoken out against the 14th amendment and birthright citizenship. At least 13 state legislators have already started drafting bills that if passed would end birthright citizenship benefits.