A group of conservative Republicans in the U.S. Senate have drafted a bill to stop “anchor babies” from automatically being granted birthright citizenship, ABC News reported Wednesday.
Sens.
David Vitter of Louisiana, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah and Jerry Moran of Kansas said that their bill requires the federal government to limit automatic citizenship to children born to at least one parent who is a citizen, legal resident, or member of the military.
"It's astounding that the U.S. government allows individuals to exploit the loopholes of our immigration system in this manner," said Vitter. "It's obvious that Congress has the authority and the obligation to put an end to it."
A misinterpretation of the Constitution, which grants birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, has led to tens of thousands of "anchor babies," they said. Those children of illegal immigrants or foreign tourists born in the U.S. can then sponsor legal residency for their parents and extended families.
The senators said their bill would end "birth tourism," where women travel to the U.S to give birth so their children are born American citizens. Travel agencies and hotels have been seeking to profit from these women.
"It is a reprehensible practice," said Vitter.