Congress should pass a law repealing birthright citizenship for children of foreign citizens, with the sole exception being children of legal permanent residents. Children born to business travelers, foreign students, tourists, and illegal aliens would not be automatically citizens of the United States.

The quote by Tom Tancredo expresses a position on birthright citizenship in the United States, advocating for a change in current immigration laws. He argues that only children of legal permanent residents should automatically receive U.S. citizenship, while children born to business travelers, foreign students, tourists, and illegal aliens would not. This reflects a desire to more tightly regulate citizenship based on the legal status of parents rather than simply the location of birth.

Tancredo’s statement highlights concerns about immigration policy and the potential social, economic, and legal implications of granting automatic citizenship. By limiting birthright citizenship, he aims to align national citizenship with legal and permanent residency status, rather than extending it broadly to all children born on U.S. soil. This perspective is grounded in a belief that citizenship should reflect a stronger legal connection to the country.

The origin of this viewpoint comes from ongoing debates in U.S. politics about the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the country. Tancredo, a former congressman and prominent immigration critic, has frequently called for stricter immigration controls and policy reforms, emphasizing national sovereignty and legal compliance. His quote represents a broader argument for reexamining the legal framework surrounding citizenship and immigration.

Ultimately, the quote underscores the tension between constitutional rights and immigration control. Tancredo advocates for legislation that would redefine who qualifies for automatic citizenship, framing the issue as one of legal fairness and national interest, while sparking debate over the balance between inclusion, law, and national policy.