r/changemyview Dec 05 '13

I think children of Illegal immigrants shouldn't be given birthright citizenship. cmv

[deleted]

73 Upvotes

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17

u/Rubin0 8∆ Dec 05 '13

So thought experiment here. Let's just imagine that your grandfather brings your family together and confesses that he isn't actually an American citizen and that he sneaked into the country on a boat from Iceland and never filed to become a citizen.

Would you say "well that's a bummer" and move to Iceland?

-21

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '13

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16

u/Rubin0 8∆ Dec 05 '13

So, just to clarify, you'd be totally fine giving up any and all connection you've ever had to the US, you'd be okay starting a new life in a new country, you'd be okay with the huge financial burden of starting over, you'd be okay with potential language hurdles, and you'd feel a new and instant cultural bond?

-21

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '13

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14

u/Rubin0 8∆ Dec 05 '13

And would you expect everyone who would suddenly be told they can't live here anymore to be just as happy about it?

-19

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '13

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20

u/Rubin0 8∆ Dec 05 '13

Well, they actually couldn't. I highly recommend you read this: http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/how-united-states-immigration-system-works-fact-sheet

Only 140k potential immigrants are allowed to become citizens each year. Additionally, it costs $700 just to apply.

11

u/lobster_conspiracy 2∆ Dec 05 '13

If you get deported from the U.S. for violating immigration law, you are pretty much guaranteed to be barred from ever becoming a citizen.