Jack Ciattarelli’s Stance on Birthright Citizenship: A Historical Perspective
In a current political debate, New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has expressed opposition to birthright citizenship, a policy that notably benefited his own family. This policy, rooted in the 14th Amendment, traditionally grants U.S. citizenship to any child born on American soil, irrespective of parental nationality.
Recently, the interpretation of the 14th Amendment has been challenged by an executive order from former President Donald Trump. Trump asserted that this amendment was intended only for the descendants of freed slaves, a proposition now under review by the Supreme Court. The potential annulment of birthright citizenship could profoundly affect approximately 11 million individuals born and raised in the United States, exposing them to possible deportation.
At a campaign event, Ciattarelli questioned the policy’s intent, stating, “Do I believe that someone should be able to just cross the border, give birth and have that baby be an American citizen? I don’t. That’s not what the intent was of the 14th Amendment.”
An examination of historical records reveals a personal connection for Ciattarelli, as his grandfather, Antonio Ciattarelli, fathered two children on U.S. soil before obtaining American citizenship. According to a World War I draft registration card (1917 or 1918), Antonio had not yet begun the naturalization process, marking “no” when asked about his citizenship status. The card also recorded that Antonio was the father of two children.
The 1920 census further illustrates Antonio’s efforts towards becoming a citizen, as he had applied but was not yet naturalized. This record notes his 1908 immigration to the U.S. and the birth of his children in 1914 and 1915, thus granting them U.S. citizenship. By 1930, Antonio had achieved naturalization, and Ciattarelli’s father, Anthony, was born around this period.
Political debates on this issue also involve Ciattarelli’s Democratic opponent, Mikie Sherrill, who supports the Born in the USA Act, designed to counteract Trump’s executive directive aiming to end birthright citizenship.
For further details, refer to the original article titled Ciattarelli wants to end the immigration policy that made his family American at American Journal News.
