Court weighs citizenship rule that varies by sex

By The Associated Press,
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 9:49 a.m.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seems troubled by a U.S. citizenship law that treats men and women differently. But the court still appears unlikely to help a Mexican-born man who says he should be declared an American.

The court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that revolves around a 70-year-old law that applies to children born outside the United States to one parent who is an American and one who is not. Children of unwed fathers who are citizens face higher hurdles in claiming citizenship for themselves.

Ruben Flores-Villar, born in Mexico but raised by his father in San Diego, is appealing a criminal conviction for violating immigration law. U.S. authorities have previously denied his claim to U.S. citizenship.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... es-by-sex/