Hours before Speaker Boehner took the podium; Republican leaders from 14 states announced their plan to end birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th amendment. And today, Republican Representative Steve King introduced a new bill to end birthright citizenship. Not only is this unconstitutional, but it threatens the very identity of our country. The 14th amendment has been a cornerstone of equal rights since its adoption after the Civil War. To do away with it would be to undo hundreds of years of basic civil rights for Americans.

The battle is only gearing up, but start off 2011 by sending a message to Speaker Boehner: do you stand with the extremists of your party who want to criminalize newborn babies? Or are you ready to work on sensible solutions and approaches to immigration policy that are humane?

It’s your choice, but we’re watching.

Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa