Some thought Graham was just trying to score short-term political points. Critics point out that, among other things, a new constitutional amendment would need two-thirds support in Congress and ratification by three quarters of the states. But Kevin Bishop, a spokesman for Graham, says that “he is very, very serious about this.” Bishop adds that a new constitutional amendment may not be necessary to achieve the desired outcome, and points to the efforts of Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas. Smith argues that granting automatic citizenship to illegal aliens is a misinterpretation of the 14th Amendment, and that the Constitution gives Congress the power to decide national immigration policies. He believes the issue can be addressed by statute and is enthusiastic about Graham’s interest in getting something done: “He has taken high-profile positions on immigration,” the congressman tells NEWSWEEK, “so his support for an end to birthright citizenship is very significant.”