News Intro Text
American Citizens Denied Birth Certificates in Texas
Date
News Item Content
<h2>
American Citizens Denied Birth Certificates in Texas</h2>
<p>BY JEANIE DONOVAN, M.P.A., M.P.H.</p>
<p>Birthright citizenship, referred to in legal doctrine as jus soli, is a well-established constitutional right in the United States. It has, however, come under scrutiny in reaction to the recent influx of immigrants from Mexico and Central America. Conservative presidential candidates, elected officials, and pundits have commented on the need to restrict birthright citizenship to stem the flow of immigrants.[1]</p>
<p> Although it is a constitutional right that would require federal action to change, states have taken calculated steps to restrict the clearly defined right to citizenship established by the Fourteenth Amendment. In Texas, officials have implemented a policy that denies access to birth certificates to children born in Texas to undocumented parents. The policy prompted a federal lawsuit, and a judge will soon determine the constitutionality and legality of Texas’ actions. In the meantime, perhaps Texas officials should give consideration to Pope Francis’ teachings on injustice.</p>
<p>In his recent address to Congress, Pope Francis addressed the divisiveness of such discriminatory behavior toward immigrants and urged leaders to redirect their efforts. He said: “Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples.”[2]</p>
<p>The pontiff went on to remark about the immigrants who are journeying to the U.S. seeking safety and economic opportunity for themselves and their families. He then asked listeners a poignant question: “On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children?”[3]</p>
<p><a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Winter%20JustSouth%20Quarterly%20Caught%20in%20the%20Middle.pdf">MORE>></a></p>
American Citizens Denied Birth Certificates in Texas</h2>
<p>BY JEANIE DONOVAN, M.P.A., M.P.H.</p>
<p>Birthright citizenship, referred to in legal doctrine as jus soli, is a well-established constitutional right in the United States. It has, however, come under scrutiny in reaction to the recent influx of immigrants from Mexico and Central America. Conservative presidential candidates, elected officials, and pundits have commented on the need to restrict birthright citizenship to stem the flow of immigrants.[1]</p>
<p> Although it is a constitutional right that would require federal action to change, states have taken calculated steps to restrict the clearly defined right to citizenship established by the Fourteenth Amendment. In Texas, officials have implemented a policy that denies access to birth certificates to children born in Texas to undocumented parents. The policy prompted a federal lawsuit, and a judge will soon determine the constitutionality and legality of Texas’ actions. In the meantime, perhaps Texas officials should give consideration to Pope Francis’ teachings on injustice.</p>
<p>In his recent address to Congress, Pope Francis addressed the divisiveness of such discriminatory behavior toward immigrants and urged leaders to redirect their efforts. He said: “Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples.”[2]</p>
<p>The pontiff went on to remark about the immigrants who are journeying to the U.S. seeking safety and economic opportunity for themselves and their families. He then asked listeners a poignant question: “On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children?”[3]</p>
<p><a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Winter%20JustSouth%20Quarterly%20Caught%20in%20the%20Middle.pdf">MORE>></a></p>