thedarkonelives@... wrote:
> I've heard for years about laws that entice illegals to jump the
> border - to the effect that if they give birth in the U.S. no matter
> the status of the mother and father, the baby is automatically a
> citizen and gives the parents different status than simply "illegal".
> I believe I've seen this referred to as an "anchor baby".
>
> Specifically what statutes or laws are these, where can I find more
> info including who was responsible for drafting such laws in the first
> place, and why despite outrage over illegal immigration within the US
> population, such laws that would seem to be an obvious incentive to
> cross illegally have remained in effect.
The USA Constitution makes such children USA citizens. Having an "anchor
baby" confers no rights or benefits on the parents, except that once the
child is 21 it can sponsor them to become Permanent Residents (and
ultimately Citizens) of the USA if it chooses.
I guess it's remained in effect because the citizens of the USA haven't
done anything to change it. |