(Liberal Voice Network) – In a comprehensive outline of immigration goals unveiled on Monday, Governor DeSantis addressed supporters and reporters in Eagle Pass, Texas, shedding light on his stance regarding birthright citizenship. He emphasized the need to address the issue of birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants in the United States. Governor DeSantis believes that the current interpretation contradicts the original intent of the 14th Amendment and urges both Congress and the courts to revisit this flawed policy.
Expressing his concerns, Governor DeSantis remarked during a press conference, “The notion that individuals can enter the country, have a child within days, and automatically confer American citizenship upon them deviates from the original understanding of the 14th Amendment. We must seek clarification on this matter.”
Governor DeSantis had previously voiced his opposition to birthright citizenship, stating in a 2018 Fox News interview during his campaign for Florida governor, “I believe this policy is not beneficial.”
However, Governor DeSantis expressed doubts regarding the likelihood of courts upholding an executive order to ban the policy, stating, “Given the previous court rulings, there is uncertainty whether an executive order would suffice. We must explore all avenues, be it legislation or even an amendment, to ultimately settle this matter.” These remarks were made during a Fox News interview.
In another interview with a Florida CBS station in 2018, Governor DeSantis highlighted the need for courts to provide a definitive ruling on the matter, stating, “The question of whether the 14th Amendment applies to individuals temporarily present in the country, be it as tourists or undocumented immigrants, has never been conclusively determined. While I lean towards the original interpretation, many court decisions suggest that being born here grants citizenship.”
Governor DeSantis’ immigration policy announcement carefully avoids specifying the exact approach he intends to take in challenging the policy.
When questioned about the possibility of seeking an executive order, a spokesperson for his campaign declined to provide a response.
Alongside his immigration proposals, Governor DeSantis introduced over 30 other policy initiatives on Monday. These include measures to bolster border security, such as the construction of a border wall and efforts to combat drug cartels. Additionally, he pledged to address issues related to visa overstays, tax remittances from undocumented immigrants, and the practice of catch-and-release.
Governor DeSantis also pledged to raise Border Patrol agents’ salaries and enact stricter penalties for those involved in fentanyl trafficking.
As Florida governor, Governor DeSantis has been involved in border matters, leading to scrutiny from Democrats last year due to flights organized for migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, allegedly under false pretenses. Similar flights were organized this month to Sacramento.
Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from a district near San Antonio, commented before Governor DeSantis’ speech in Eagle Pass, saying, “Governor DeSantis will bring an end to excuses. He is determined to enforce the law and combat cartels that endanger Americans through the distribution of fentanyl, which also empowers China. We need a resolute leader like him to restore sanity to our nation.”