In other words, while it would be wonderful if we could get to zero illegal immigration, and I desire that outcome, it’ll never be possible. If having our most hardline president in a century on immigration with both houses of Congress held by the GOP won’t do it, then it’s time for us to realize that nothing will get us to zero illegal immigration.
That means we have a choice about restricting birthright citizenship, but either way we will have a substantial illegal population. That being the case, it becomes obvious that restricting birthright citizenship will increase the rate of illegality among immigrants, as their children are denied citizenship. It could also lead to growing statelessness, and will certainly slow down assimilation.
In other words, for nationalists like me whose goal is assimilating immigrants, repealing birthright citizenship is just crazy. We need to be making sure these kids know from birth that they are Americans, equal to all other Americans. That’s the only reliable way to assimilate them.
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