Res. No. 1220
Resolution calling on the United States Congress to reject the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, which would end the recognition of automatic birthright citizenship for certain classes of people who are born in this country to non-citizen parents.
By Council Members Dromm, Arroyo, Brewer, Chin, Comrie, Eugene, James, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Levin, Rose, Williams, Mark-Viverito, Palma and Rodriguez
Whereas, New York City has long served as an official entry point for immigrants to the United States and as a home for succeeding generations of natural born citizens; and
Whereas, Millions of United States citizens can trace the entry of their ancestors into the United States through Ellis Island and other ports of entry, and those who immigrated have established lives and families and built communities here; and
Whereas, In 2011, Representative Stephen King and Senator David Vitter introduced the Birthright Citizen Act of 2011 (H.R. 140/S.723) to end the recognition of automatic birthright citizenship for certain classes of people who are born in this country to non-citizen parents; and
Whereas, The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, grants all persons born in the United States automatic citizenship without regard to the immigration status of either parent; and
Whereas, If enacted, the Birthright Citizenship Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to consider a person born in the United States "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States for citizenship at birth purposes only if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is: (i) a U.S. citizen or national; (ii) a lawful permanent resident; or (iii) an undocumented immigrant performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces; and
Whereas, There are approximately three million immigrants residing in New York City, many of whom might not qualify for U.S. citizenship if the Birthright Citizenship Act were in effect; and
Whereas, According to the Pew Hispanic Center December 2010 report, there are approximately four million U.S. born children of undocumented immigrant parents residing in the United States; and
Whereas, Recognizing individuals born on United States soil as U.S. citizens is a cornerstone of American heritage and identity; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to reject the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, which would end the recognition of automatic birthright citizenship for certain classes of people who are born in this country to non-citizen parents.
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JSM
2/2/2012
LS# 3079