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Parsing the Constitution

Thanks to Jory Harris for clarifying what 14A means, as Harris sees it.

It appears that the clause "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" is superfluous, by Harris's reading. 14A reads the same with or without the clause using Harris's take. It's certainly a valid take.

However, I suggest that illegals are persona non grata as far as the law is concerned. They are not "subject" to anything unless they are apprehended. Citizens and resident aliens, on the other hand, are subject to many things...taxes, social security, etc.

14A wasn't written for children born in the US of illegal aliens. It was in response to the scourge of slavery on American history.

Still, Harris may be correct that a constitutional amendment is in order to really clarify this constitutional wrinkle.

-Robert Capozzi

Free-for-all (frfr-ôl) -- n. A disorderly fight, argument, or competition in which everyone present participates.

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