About The 14th

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Revisiting The Constitution's 'Birthright Citizenship'

The 14th Amendment to the Constitution -- the one that guarantees "birthright citizenship" -- has become a political lightning rod in the days since Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham suggested it be changed. Host Guy Raz explores the debate through the story of Ruben Lopez, who was born in the U.S. to parents who arrived here illegally and is now a senior design engineer with Chevron. Also, Harvard professor Randall Kennedy weighs in on the history of the 14th Amendment and its chances of survival.

Few Nations Give Guarantees Like 14th Amendment

The thought of revoking the 14th Amendment seems absurd, even impossible, to some. But few other countries in the developed world guarantee "birthright citizenship." John Skrentny, sociology professor at the University of California at San Diego, fills in host Guy Raz about how jus soli -- "the right of the soil" -- is exceptional.

Audio Embed: All Things Considered 8/14/10, Host: Guy Raz.