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Birthright Citizenship: Nigerians in Diaspora Oppose, Call It Illegal

Japhet Hasruna
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The controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s executive order to revoke birthright citizenship in the U.S. has sparked intense debate among Nigerians in the diaspora and legal experts globally. The move, which seeks to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented or temporary residents, raises fundamental questions about constitutional authority, immigration policies, and human rights.

At the heart of the issue is the interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil and subject to its jurisdiction. Legal experts have argued that altering such a foundational provision requires a constitutional amendment rather than an executive order. The U.S. courts, and likely the Supreme Court, will ultimately determine the legality and enforceability of this policy.

Concerns Over Legality: Many Nigerians in the U.S. and Canada argue that the executive order is a case of overreach and cannot override constitutional provisions. They emphasize the importance of judicial review in ensuring that such policies align with the constitution.

  1. Showmanship for Political Gains: Some believe Trump’s move is more about appealing to his political base than actual governance. The timing and rhetoric suggest a strategy to energize supporters rather than a feasible policy change.
  2. Impact on Immigrants: For Nigerians who have relied on the birthright citizenship policy to secure dual citizenship for their children, the order represents a significant shift. While some acknowledge that immigration laws should be controlled, they argue that this measure unfairly targets vulnerable populations.
  3. Comparisons with Canada: In Canada, where discussions about modifying birthright citizenship are ongoing, the approach involves parliamentary debate rather than unilateral executive action. This has been cited as a more democratic process.

Broader Implications:

  • Legal Challenges: With over 22 states and civil rights groups filing lawsuits, the legal battle will likely be prolonged. If struck down, individuals affected during the policy’s enforcement period may regain their citizenship rights.
  • Immigration Control: Proponents of the policy argue it addresses issues such as crime, terrorism, and misuse of the immigration system. Critics, however, warn that it risks stigmatizing immigrants and undermines the inclusivity that has historically defined American values.
  • Advice for Nigerians: Nigerians are advised to comply with current immigration policies and explore alternative legal pathways for securing dual citizenship for their children. The era of exploiting loopholes may be over, but opportunities for lawful immigration remain.

In summary, while the executive order signals a significant policy shift, its ultimate fate depends on the courts and potential constitutional amendments. For now, it serves as a stark reminder of the broader debates surrounding immigration and national identity in an increasingly polarized world.

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The Ogun State Police Command on Monday clarified that Mr Akinsanya Aremu, father of the slain 17-year-old secondary school student in the state, Habeebah Akinsanya, paid ₦30,000 to her kidnappers and not ₦1 million as reported. Aremu, a senior officer with So-Safe Corps, was said to have paid the money into a Moniepoint account provided by the kidnappers to facilitate the tracking and arrest of those responsible for the kidnapping of his daughter. The police revealed that the teenage girl was discovered to have been raped by her abductors before being macheted to death. Her corpse was later found on Sunday at her father’s farm near Mile 6, a community a few metres from Ogun State Television, Abeokuta. The law enforcement agency has also pointed an accusing finger at one of the farm workers employed by the father of the victim. Residents of the community allegedly claimed they last saw the farm worker with the late Habeebah while entering the farm where her body was eventually found. Health 360: Food Safety0:00 / 1:01 The Divisional Police Officer of Kemta Division, Abeokuta, CSP Olawale Famobuwa, disclosed this after receiving express approval from the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, to speak on the incident. Famobuwa said, “The father of the deceased reported to the police station on Friday at about 9:30 pm that his daughter, Habeebah, who was helping her sister with the Point of Sale business, had not been found. “He said that the sister had travelled and asked Habeebah to stand in for her, but someone invited her (the deceased) for a transaction, and she had been missing since then. It was recorded as a case of a missing person. “He later returned on Saturday and said that some people had contacted the sister who owned the PoS business and were demanding money, so he sent ₦30,000 into the Moniepoint account, which we hope to use to track the receiver and arrest those behind the criminal act. Related News Okpebholo promises steady power supply PSC promotes FCT, Lagos CPs, others Police hunt abductors of Abuja four family members “So, what was paid was ₦30,000 and not ₦1 million. I have the receipt, and this was done to help facilitate the tracking of those responsible for the criminal act. “We actually traced the transaction to somewhere in the Oke Egunya community, which is under Ibara Division, Abeokuta. We were there until 1 am early Sunday morning before we took a break and resumed the tracking later. “We were later informed on Sunday that the corpse of the young girl had been found at her father’s farm in Mile 6, and when we arrived, we discovered that the girl had been raped before she was killed.” Famobuwa further explained that a resident of the community allegedly saw a farm worker employed by the father of the victim entering the bush with the deceased but did not return with her. When challenged, the farm worker claimed that the girl was still busy on the farm and would join him later. The police also reported that a 15-year-old boy allegedly explained how he saw this farm worker with firewood on his head, running suspiciously as if attempting to flee from a crime scene. Famobuwa expressed regret that the father of the deceased, a senior officer in the So-Safe security agency established by the state government, had been provided with vital information by the residents of the community but failed to pass it on to the police. He stated that the farm worker, who is reported to have fled, is a prime suspect, but the police will do everything within the law to ensure that all the assailants involved in the criminal acts are brought to justice. Habeebah, a student of Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta, was set to enter SS3 when the new school session begins on 16th September and would have turned 17 in October.

byJaphet Hasruna