Naturalized citizen vs citizen by birth

[robwoj]

Since the anti immigrant sentiment in the US is getting stronger - do you think it could come to that we will make a distinction between citizens by birth and naturalized citizens.

You could argue that there is still a difference and:
1) enforce denaturalization laws more strictly and add to what can trigger denaturalization
2) Expand the jobs that naturalized citizens cannot get
3) Expand the benefits that naturalized citizens are not eligible for
4) Strictly enforce address changes for naturalized citizens and for nationals that sponsor terrorism - maybe even enforce regular checkups with police or INS
5) Passports for naturalized citizens could have the nationality imprinted on the passport
6) Require naturalized citizens to relinquish all other citizenships

The list could go on and on.

If you go against immigrants full force - then why not start looking at naturalized citizens as well? The problem is that they have the power to vote - but how many are out there to vote? If they are a minority then it could make sense to target them as well.

 

[TheRealCanadian]

Since the anti immigrant sentiment in the US is getting stronger - do you think it could come to that we will make a distinction between citizens by birth and naturalized citizens.

The 14th Amendment specifically forbids this.

 

[brb2]

The 14th Amendment specifically forbids this.

I think the most well known disadvantage is that a naturalized citizen is not eligibile to stand for election to President. This was brought about because at Independence citizens were afraid Britain might put a dummy candidate. I would not be surprised if this is not removed from the books in the future. Arnie?

 

[AmericanWannabe]

The 14th Amendment specifically forbids this.

It can be changed. Though the US COnstituion is stable,
but in theory, it can be changed. What it takes is 2/3 of
the congress. Some dramatic events or popular support
can easily get to that. Some already say US
is one terror attack away from saying goodbye
to its constitutuon.

Of course, if things get that far, even born citizzens
can be deprived of citizenships.

 

[TheRealCanadian]

It can be changed. Though the US COnstituion is stable, but in theory, it can be changed. What it takes is 2/3 of the congress.

I sure hope you don't say this at your naturalization examination. In order to amend the Constitution, you need the support of 2/3ds of both houses of Congress and the support of three quarters of all state legislatures.

It's one thing to screw around with immigrants and non-immigrants who cannot vote. No one's stupid enough to even dream of screwing around with US citizens.