Examine the heated modern debates surrounding birthright citizenship in 21st-century America. Understand the political arguments for and against current policies, including concerns about immigration incentives, birth tourism, and national sovereignty. Explore proposed legislative changes, executive actions, and constitutional challenges while analyzing the practical implications of modifying birthright citizenship. Learn about the "anchor baby" controversy, international comparisons, and how demographic changes and global mobility have complicated traditional notions of citizenship and belonging in contemporary America.

Click here to browse handpicked Amazon finds inspired by this podcast series!
https://amzn.to/424pzou

Journey back to post-Civil War America to understand how the 14th Amendment revolutionized American citizenship. Discover how the Dred Scott decision denied citizenship to African Americans, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and ultimately the 14th Amendment. Learn about the intentions of Reconstruction-era lawmakers, the complex debates over the "subject to jurisdiction" clause, and how the landmark Wong Kim Ark Supreme Court case in 1898 established the broad interpretation of birthright citizenship that remains in effect today, despite ongoing political and legal challenges.

Click here to browse handpicked Amazon finds inspired by this podcast series!

https://amzn.to/424pzou

Join veteran international correspondent Alexandra Reeves as she explores one of America's most distinctive and debated principles: birthright citizenship. Drawing from three decades of global reporting, Alexandra examines how the United States stands apart from most nations by granting automatic citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents' legal status. This comprehensive exploration traces the origins of birthright citizenship from the aftermath of slavery through the transformative 14th Amendment, examining landmark legal cases like United States v. Wong Kim Ark that defined its scope. Alexandra contrasts America's jus soli (right of the soil) approach with the jus sanguinis (right of blood) systems used by most countries worldwide, revealing how these different philosophies shape national identity and belonging. Through compelling storytelling and expert analysis, the episode unpacks the constitutional foundations, practical implications, and ongoing debates surrounding this fundamental aspect of American citizenship. Alexandra brings her signature blend of gravitas and accessibility to complex legal concepts, making this essential topic engaging for listeners at every level.

Click here to browse handpicked Amazon finds inspired by this podcast series! https://amzn.to/424pzou