Arizona Bill Challenges Birthright Citizenship for Illegals

An Arizona state Senate committee became the first in the country Tuesday to endorse a proposal that would challenge the granting of birthright citizenship to children of illegal immigrants, the Arizona Republic reported Wednesday. The proposed law would challenge the interpretation of the 14th Amendment.

State Sen. Ron Gould

The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Ron Gould, said it would require at least one parent of all children born in Arizona to prove their legal status.

"It won't be any more difficult than their parents proving they are eligible to vote in Arizona," Gould told the newspaper.

The birthright provision is part of two major bills that could have wide-ranging impact on illegal immigrants living in Arizona. Proposed changes to laws include preventing undocumented children from attending school, prohibiting illegal immigrants from driving or buying a vehicle, denying them the ability to obtain a marriage license, and forcing hospitals to ask about citizenship before providing medical care.

Hundreds of protesters and supporters rallied outside the Statehouse Tuesday, while dozens waited inside to speak to lawmakers.