Sen. Schmitt Sounds Alarm on Birthright Citizenship Decision
First reported by Fox News: Amid increasing criticism from Republicans toward the Supreme Court, one Senate Republican highlights national security risks linked to the court’s decision on birthright citizenship. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is particularly concerned about potential threats from China following the court’s 6-3 verdict.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Schmitt outlined steps lawmakers and the administration can take to address this issue. He stated, “I want to get this done because I believe the future of our country is at stake. We can’t have Chinese generals sending their wives here to give birth, returning after 18 years, and obtaining citizenship. It’s irrational.”
Justice Samuel Alito warned that the Supreme Court made a serious mistake that might have national security implications. Schmitt, addressing these concerns, cited a need for action comprising short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies.
The senator proposes a three-fold approach:
- Short-term: Executive action
- Medium-term: Legislative measures
- Long-term: Constitutional amendment
Schmitt argues that the most direct way to challenge the court’s decision would be through a constitutional amendment, though legislation is another viable path. He aims to follow guidance from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh’s ruling suggested Congress could, in line with the Fourteenth Amendment, alter or create new laws concerning birthright citizenship for children born to foreign nationals residing unlawfully or temporarily in the U.S.
Schmitt plans to refine the 14th Amendment language. He wants to change “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” to “not subject to a foreign power.” This would align with the amendment’s original intent, thwarting foreign powers from securing citizenship quietly.
The current legislative climate poses challenges, such as the 60-vote filibuster barrier in the Senate for pushing such bills. Schmitt acknowledges the need for Democratic backing. He references the late former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s 1993 bill, the Immigration Stabilization Act, which aimed to restrict birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants’ children.
Schmitt poses a key question for Democrats: Will they remain as the party advocating for open borders, as during the Biden years, or will they align more with the American public’s preference for defined sovereignty?
Alex Miller covers the U.S. Senate for Fox News Digital.