“The concept of birthright citizenship is like the backbone of America,” Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), the incoming chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said on Monday's CNN News Central broadcast. ” he said. It is part of our country's history and it should continue as such. ”
“This is enshrined in the Constitution, and the Constitution is a resilient document, and it takes a very vigorous process to amend it,” Espaillat said. A three-thirds vote is required. [the state legislatures]. I don't think he has the votes. And it will be a very close race in the House. At some point in the next session, it could be as cramped as a single member of Congress. So I guess he's nowhere to be found. [near] The breadth of votes needed to do so. Not surprisingly, this is a very strenuous process, because amending the Constitution is not a weekend in Cancun, it is a very rigorous process that requires not only the input of Congress but also the American people. ”
Then co-host John Berman asked, “Are you going to fight?”
“Oh, we're definitely going to fight that,” Espaillat said. “I think the concept of birthright citizenship is kind of the backbone of America. It's part of our country's history, and it's going to continue as it is. It should be done.”
Espaillat also said he stands ready to work with the Trump administration on protecting DREAMers and farmworkers and reuniting families.
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