YOUR OPINION

14th Amendment does not provide guarantee

The Feb. 18 letter titled, “14th Amendment under assault by Trump, Baumgartner” presents a perplexing and unclear argument. Based on my research, the 14th Amendment does not provide a guarantee that individuals entering the United States with novel skills and ideas can establish a home and prosper within its borders. It does guarantee birthright citizenship to children born in the United States, with certain exceptions. Along with naturalized citizens within the United States. In fact, the “dream of joining our nation” is realized through the naturalization process under the Immigration and Nationality Act. An immigrant, asylum seeker, or refugee must go through the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen first. A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States may obtain naturalization status and acquire U.S. citizenship upon fulfilling the criteria and procedures established by Congress’s authority under the Constitution.