Representative Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, voiced strong criticism against the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, asserting that the institution had "betrayed" the nation. Concurrently, he unveiled a legislative proposal designed to significantly tighten regulations around birthright citizenship.
The Supreme Court's decision earlier on Tuesday addressed an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump last year. That order had sought to challenge the widely held interpretation that children born within U.S. borders are automatically granted American citizenship.
President Trump's executive directive aimed to establish a federal policy stating that U.S. government departments and agencies should not issue or accept documents recognizing United States citizenship for individuals in two specific scenarios: firstly, if the person's mother was unlawfully present in the U.S. and the father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of birth; and secondly, if the mother's presence in the U.S. was lawful but temporary, and the father was again not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of birth.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution contains a clause often cited in discussions of birthright citizenship, declaring in part: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."
In response to the Supreme Court's ruling, Representative Ogles took to social media platform X to express his disapproval, partially writing that the Supreme Court had "betrayed America." He further added, "I refuse to let these anchor babies colonize our country. Save our sovereignty. Anchors away!"
The congressman's legislative initiative, titled the "Anchors Away Act," directly addresses these concerns and seeks to implement stricter controls.
Proposed Changes to Citizenship Criteria
Currently, U.S. law grants citizenship at birth to individuals born within the United States who are subject to its jurisdiction. The "Anchors Away Act" proposes an amendment to this statute, specifying that for a child to be considered under U.S. jurisdiction, at least one parent must meet certain qualifications. These include being "a citizen or national of the United States," "an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States whose residence is in the United States," or "an alien with lawful status under the immigration laws performing active service in the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code)."
Restrictions on Pregnant Nonimmigrant Visitors
Furthermore, the proposed measure would introduce another amendment to U.S. law, stating that "Any alien seeking admission to the United States as a nonimmigrant who is pregnant and is not married to a citizen of the United States is inadmissible." However, the bill also includes a crucial caveat, noting that "Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to render inadmissible an alien seeking legitimate medical treatment relating to childbirth."
