I believe we should change the constitutional requirement for the President needing to be a “natural born citizen”. But until then, it's the law. The debate surrounding whether naturalized citizens should be eligible to hold the highest office in the United States has been ongoing for years. The announcement by Cenk Uygur, host of the progressive news and commentary outlet The Young Turks, that he is launching a bid for the presidency has reignited this discussion.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta...) - More than 20 million Americans are ineligible to become president because they were not born in the United States and obtained citizenship through naturalization. The University of California's U.S. Immigration Policy Center identified nearly 43,000 "newly naturalized" immigrants across Nevada who have the potential to impact elections in the state. Similarly, a new report found that 15,064 newly naturalized citizens live in New Mexico, highlighting their potential to influence electoral outcomes.
The constitutional requirement that a President must be a "natural born citizen" was established by the Founding Fathers to ensure that the country's leader had an inherent loyalty to the United States. However, as the demographics of the nation evolve and an increasing number of immigrants become naturalized citizens, it is worth revisiting this requirement to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Proponents of allowing naturalized citizens to become President argue that citizenship acquired through naturalization is a testament to an individual's commitment to the United States. They argue that naturalized citizens undergo a rigorous process, including fulfilling residency requirements, passing comprehensive background checks, and demonstrating knowledge of American history and government through the citizenship test. Allowing them to hold the highest office would be a recognition of their dedication and contributions to the nation.
Opponents, on the other hand, contend that the "natural born citizen" requirement safeguards against potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence. They argue that individuals who were born in the United States inherently possess a unique connection to the country and its values. Furthermore, they assert that altering this requirement could open the door to foreign-born individuals with divided loyalties assuming the presidency.
One potential solution to this debate could be a constitutional amendment that modifies the requirement to allow naturalized citizens to become President after a certain period of time, ensuring that they have demonstrated long-term commitment and loyalty to the United States. This approach would strike a balance between acknowledging the contributions of naturalized citizens and upholding the original intent of the Founding Fathers.
The impact of allowing naturalized citizens to become President would extend beyond individual eligibility. It would send a powerful message of inclusivity and equal opportunities to all Americans, reinforcing the notion that citizenship is not determined by birthplace alone but by one's commitment and contributions to the nation.
In recent years, the eligibility of Presidential candidates has been a topic of speculation. With his surprising victory in the Iowa caucuses, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz faced questions regarding his eligibility due to his Canadian birth. Similarly, the claim that if former Vice President Joe Biden is elected but unable to serve as President, Sen. Kamala Harris would be ineligible to succeed him sparked discussions about the constitutional requirements.
In conclusion, the issue of naturalized citizens' eligibility to become President is a complex and important one. While the current constitutional requirement of being a "natural born citizen" is in place, it is crucial to have a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue about potential amendments. All American citizens should have the opportunity to aspire to the highest office in the land, regardless of their birthplace. By addressing this issue, we can further strengthen the principles of democracy and ensure equal representation for all.
