In response to a letter about birthright citizenship

In response to April Casler’s letter to the editor in the Township Journal's October 17-23 edition, the issue originally raised was birthright citizenship for illegal aliens. Note well, while addressing other constitutional issues, the 14th Amendment was mainly designed to grant citizenship and protect the civil liberties of recently freed slaves, not illegal immigrants. Specifically the 14th Amendment overturned The U.S. Court ruling in Sanford (1867) which held that African-Americans were not U.S. citizens, even if they were free.

The children of recently freed slaves were guaranteed the same protection as their parents under the 14th Amendment. To date, The Court has not ruled on the validity of citizenship for children born of illegal aliens.

Eric M. Gernant, Ph.D.

Andover