BYA: August 16, 2010

Question:

Do any other countries have an “anchor baby” law in place?

Submitted by: Circlepfarms via Twitter

Answer:

According to Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center of Immigration Studies, about 30 countries have similar birthright citizenship policies, but not exactly as stated by the 14th Amendment to the United States Constituion. Of the industrialized democracies, only the United States and Canada grant citizenship automatically after birth. Not one European country does so. The U.S. anchor baby law is unique, as it was adopted in the 1870's during the post-slavery days which followed the American Civil War. In 2010, of the 30 countries with a similar law, most are not as encompassing as US law. In addition, these laws develop over time. For example, Australia, France and Britain have recently tightened their immigration laws and some observers believe such laws will only become more strict as people continue to move with greater ease around the globe.

Source/Guest: Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies CSM

Will US revoke the right of American citizenship to foreigners born here?

Anchor Baby Boom

Congress Mulls Bill to Revise Birthright Citizenship; EU Times; June 15, 2010.