WASHINGTON - An Arizona idea to deny birth certificates to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants is already rattling nerves on Capitol Hill.
State Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, the main sponsor of Arizona's controversial immigration law, has said he intends to introduce legislation targeting the so-called anchor babies during the next regular legislative session. Although details remain unclear, and critics warn that such a measure would be a flagrant violation of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment, Pearce's vague proposal already has received considerable national attention.
U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., said he doubts such a move would be legal because citizenship clearly falls under the federal government's authority. But Pearce and his allies are energized and will continue to pursue ill-advised policies unless Congress steps in and retakes control of the immigration issue by enacting comprehensive reform, he said.
"I can tell you that it's not a good idea, and it's unconstitutional. But that wouldn't stop the state Legislature from passing it and the governor from signing it," Pastor said.
U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., also expressed concern about Pearce's targeting of U.S.-born babies.
"The constitutionality of that is pretty suspect," Mitchell said. "And it hasn't even been introduced yet. It's just talk."
The Supreme Court has maintained that the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to anybody born in the United States, but some argue that the amendment has been misinterpreted over the years and was never meant to cover the children of illegal immigrants. They speculate that a new legal battle could result in a different conclusion more favorable to their point of view.
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/06/19/20100619arizona-anchor-babies-plan.html#ixzz0rSHAF2Wj
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