"Anchor babies" drain economy
August 20, 2008

Anyone who read the outrageous story "Certifying a birth a mother's ordeal" in the Aug. 17 edition about the illegal immigrant wanting free education for her child probably had a rise in blood pressure. However, there is an opportunity to do something about it.

The 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in America, is the center of this controversy. It was originally passed to ensure that all slaves were allowed the status and rights of citizenry. However, the intent of the framers is clear, as recorded in the May 30, 1866, edition of the Congressional Globe. Sen. Jacob Howard, author of the clause, said, "This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers."

This sentiment, unfortunately, was not written into the amendment, and led to the "anchor babies" — the children of illegal immigrants — in our country. That is bankrupting not only our economy but our culture. Anchor babies cost us billions of dollars every year. The parents do not contribute to the economy but use every service our country has to offer.

Rep. Nathan Dean of Georgia introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2007 to end this abuse. So far, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, has refused to allow the bill to be debated. We, as citizens, were able to bring pressure on our representatives to defeat the illegal amnesty bill. Now we must turn on the same pressure to bring this bill to the floor.

Our politicians are supposed to represent us, yet they refuse to hear us in this matter. Contact the members of Congress in your district. It is the only way to end the madness and save our country.

Richard J. Krezonis

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