Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently made headlines with his promise to end birthright citizenship as part of his immigration plan. DeSantis, who is a leading Republican presidential candidate, unveiled his hardline immigration policies aimed at appealing to conservative voters. This promise echoes former President Donald Trump’s vow to do the same through an executive order during his administration. Although Trump never followed through with his promise, he has renewed it for the 2024 campaign.
DeSantis has made the proposal to end birthright citizenship a central part of his plan to overhaul the nation’s immigration system if he is elected president. He claims that he will do what Trump couldn’t, but has yet to provide specifics on how he plans to execute such a plan.[0]
The governor unveiled his border plan, the first major policy he has shared as a presidential hopeful, at the overwhelmed parts of the U.S-Mexico border in Texas. His plan includes finishing the border wall and executing other promises that Trump failed to deliver on. DeSantis announced the plan during a campaign stop in Eagle Pass, Texas, where he touted his border security plan.[1]
According to DeSantis, offering birthright citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants is a major driver of illegal migration.[2] He argues that it is inconsistent with the original understanding of the 14th Amendment and believes that the courts and Congress should address this policy.[3]
DeSantis’s plan also includes reinstating Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” program and asylum agreements with Central American countries.[4] He also threatens to send the military to Mexico to combat drug cartels and attempts to end birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants.[4]
Some of the immigration policies proposed by DeSantis are directly taken from Trump’s playbook, such as eliminating birthright citizenship and forcing immigrants to remain in Mexico while applying for asylum.[5] These proposals have wide support among Republicans, but they have also sparked controversy and debate.[6]
The question of who is entitled to citizenship is clearly spelled out in the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction. Birthright citizenship has long been considered protected under this amendment.
However, DeSantis argues that the current interpretation of birthright citizenship is not in line with the original understanding of the 14th Amendment. He believes that action should be taken to clarify this issue, as he claims that the idea of coming across the border and having a child who automatically becomes an American citizen was not the intention of the amendment.[7]
DeSantis’s plan also includes authorizing law enforcement to use force against drug traffickers and those demonstrating hostile intent at the border.[8] He suggests that if the Mexican government does not cooperate, he would be willing to deploy Navy and Coast Guard resources to block the import of fentanyl-related chemicals from reaching Mexican ports.
The governor’s platform emphasizes the need for results and action, criticizing the notion of hollow rhetoric and empty promises. DeSantis aims to differentiate himself from Trump by claiming that his plan is more aggressive and includes empowering local officials to enforce immigration law.[9]
However, there are concerns about the feasibility and legality of some of DeSantis’s proposals. For example, tasking state governments with deportation would likely encounter legal challenges. Ending birthright citizenship would also require a constitutional amendment, as the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to those born or naturalized in the United States.
Overall, DeSantis’s immigration plan has generated significant attention and debate. While some applaud his hardline approach and promises to address what he sees as flaws in the immigration system, others raise concerns about the potential consequences and legality of his proposals. As the 2024 campaign approaches, it will be interesting to see how DeSantis’s immigration stance resonates with voters and influences the broader national conversation on immigration policy.
0. “‘Good luck.’ DeSantis’ promise to end birthright citizenship is easier said than done” Miami Herald, 28 Jun. 2023, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article276827526.html
1. “DeSantis unveils hardline “No Excuses” border plan” CBS News, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/video/desantis-unveils-no-excuses-border-plan
2. “DeSantis vows to end birthright citizenship as part of immigration plan” AOL, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.aol.com/news/desantis-vows-end-birthright-citizenship-162622880.html
3. “DeSantis announces ‘No Excuses’ plan to secure U.S. border” News 13 Orlando, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/06/26/desantis-announces–no-excuses–plan-to-secure-the-u-s–border
4. “GOP presidential field embraces Trump’s border wall” Axios, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/06/26/trump-border-wall-republicans
5. “DeSantis’s immigration policy is almost identical to Trump’s” Vox.com, 27 Jun. 2023, https://www.vox.com/politics/2023/6/27/23775744/desantis-trump-immigration-2024
6. “At Texas-Mexico border, Ron DeSantis unveils immigration platform with Trump in mind” The Texas Tribune, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/26/ron-desantis-texas-border-mexico
7. “Ron DeSantis tries to undercut Donald Trump’s strength on border policy” Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/politics/2023/06/26/ron-desantis-tries-to-undercut-donald-trumps-strength-on-border-policy/70356436007
8. “Analysis | Scapegoating Mexico has a new look for the 2024 Republican field” The Washington Post, 27 Jun. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/06/26/trump-desantis-mexico-drugs
9. “How DeSantis says he can outdo Trump on the border” CNN, 28 Jun. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/28/politics/desantis-trump-immigration-what-matters/index.html
