Fact Check: Senator Mullin Advocates Deporting US-Born Babies of Undocumented Parents
What We Know
During an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, stated that children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants should "go where their parents are" if those parents are deported. Mullin argued that there is "a whole industry" dedicated to having undocumented mothers gain birthright citizenship for their children, and he expressed a desire to end what he perceives as the exploitation of the system (Newsweek). When pressed by the host, Kristen Welker, on whether this meant that U.S.-born children should be deported with their parents, Mullin confirmed that "they should go where their parents are" (Newsweek).
Analysis
Mullin's comments have sparked significant debate regarding the implications of his stance on birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The amendment has historically been interpreted to provide citizenship to nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil, with very few exceptions (Newsweek).
Critics of Mullin's position argue that his suggestion to deport U.S.-born children is not only unconstitutional but also morally questionable. Legal scholars and advocacy groups have consistently maintained that the plain meaning and historical intent of the 14th Amendment protect the citizenship rights of these children (Newsweek). Furthermore, the Trump administration's attempts to reinterpret these rights have faced significant legal challenges, with courts repeatedly ruling against such interpretations (Newsweek).
Mullin's statements were made in the context of a broader discussion about immigration policy and the enforcement of laws regarding undocumented immigrants. His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some lawmakers who advocate for stricter immigration controls, but they also raise questions about the potential consequences for U.S.-born children, who would be affected by such policies (Yahoo News).
Conclusion
The claim that Senator Mullin advocates for the deportation of U.S.-born babies of undocumented parents is True. His statements during the Meet the Press interview clearly indicate that he believes these children should accompany their parents if the parents are deported. This position aligns with a broader political agenda aimed at reforming immigration laws, although it contradicts established legal principles regarding birthright citizenship.
