Immigrant Babies And Citizenship Analysis

“An Argument to Be Made about Immigrant Babies and Citizenship” is written by George F. Will and in this essay the author challenges the citizenship status of children born to illegal immigrants. Will argues that the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to any person born in the United States, is being misinterpreted. He explains how this misinterpretation leads to the actual act of illegal immigration. For example, by essentially rewarding the children of illegal immigrants with an American citizenship Will demonstrates how this provides an incentive for illegal immigration. The author makes clear the idea that when the 14th Amendment was written in 1866 it could not have included illegal immigrants since that concept did not exist at …show more content…
To me, my American citizenship is very special, since I was not born in this country I had to work very hard to earn the right to be called an American citizen. Becoming a citizen has been one of the most important decisions I have made in my life. Being an American citizen comes with many privileges, for example, being able to vote on important issues. Along with the right to vote, being a citizen also comes with the responsibility of participating on a panel of juries, which is a major responsibility in my opinion. Finally, my cultural background has played a large role in shaping the meaning of my citizenship, coming from a country where its citizens have very little say in choosing their leaders I feel privileged to call myself an American. In closing, my American citizenship is something that I cherish and would never take for …show more content…
Kirby begins by using Richard Costello as an example. Costello was a criminal who was sent to jail for trying to sell stolen motorcycle parts online, he was identified by the tattoos on his feet. Kirby continues by giving factors that helped tattoos become established in the New World. He describes how in the 18th century British explores first brought from Polynesia to Europe, the importance of Martin Hildebrant who was the 1st known tattoo artist in America during the Civil War, and the invention of the tattoo machine made tattoos more accessible to all. The author’s perspective begins to shift once he interviews people with tattoos. He learns that most people are getting tattoos for sentimental reasons. Jodi, for example, had an arm sleeve tattoo and was into self-harm in the past, but now she has found that getting a tattoo is comparable to her cutting herself. For Jodi getting tattoos has become a form of escape. In the end, despite his changed opinion on tattoos Kirby expresses that he still would not get a