Move by Republican primary candidate would undermine ‘birthright citizenship’ rule set out by 14th Amendment of the American constitution
Vivek Ramasmway has said he would deport US-born children of illegal migrants if he wins next year’s presidential election, in a move that would undermine the country’s “birthright citizenship” rule.
The Republican primary candidate said the principle that US-born children should be given citizenship was “legally contested” and called for the privilege to be removed from undocumented immigrants.
In an interview with NBC News, Mr Ramaswamy said he would deport an “entire family unit”, calling into question the 14th Amendment of the American constitution, which gives citizenship to anyone born in the United States.
“There are legally contested questions under the 14th Amendment of whether the child of an illegal immigrant is indeed a child who enjoys birthright citizenship,” he said. “They are contested.”