Should America End Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship guarantees citizenship to anyone born within the United States’ territory, regardless of a parent’s nationality. But should this legal principle be removed from the Constitution? Those arguing it shouldn’t say that it prevents children from being punished for their parents’ status, while encouraging long-term economic and civic contributions. But those calling to end the practice argue it fuels illegal immigration and strains the overburdened immigration system. Now, we debate: Should America End Birthright Citizenship? 

This debate was recorded on October 9, 2025 at 1 PM at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ. 

This event is part of a new partnership between Open to Debate and Arizona State University’s Institute of Politics to bring live debate programming to ASU’s campus in a special series titled PRO/CONversations. Produced by Arizona PBS in the Arizona State University Media Enterprise—which will air and promote the recorded programs—the series is designed to model civil discourse for students while offering hands-on production experience to ASU journalism students. 

 

 Arguing Yes:  

Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies 

Horace Cooper, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research; Chairman of the Project 21 National Advisory Board 

 

Arguing No:  

Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General 

Chris Newman, Legal Director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) 

 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

 

Visit OpentoDebate.org to watch more insightful debates.  

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