Birthright citizenship

Regarding the editorial Dec. 15 regarding U.S. citizenship for foreign born, it is a little confusing. The 14th Amendment, Section 1 says: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and of the State in which they reside.” When born here, the child is not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. They are subject to their parents, who are subject to the jurisdiction of the country of which they are actually citizens, not the U.S.

Then why is it automatic for our country to allow immigrants who enter illegally, give birth here, to claim citizenship for their children? Diplomats to the U.S. who reside here, who give birth in the U.S., are not given citizenship as they remain subject to their “country’s” jurisdiction even though they “live” in the U.S. Seems logical that those born to migrants who entered the U.S. illegally and are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction should not either.

—Joan Haefeli, Torrance

Trump’s policies

Re “Analysts: Trump’s policies a worry” (Dec. 15):

Chapman and UCLA are worried about President Trump’s policies? Where have they been for the last four years? Are they happy with Biden policies, keep it status quo? Give me a break!

We need to move in a new direction, we’re stagnant now and need a plan, one that will benefit America.

— Charlie Wolfe, Costa Mesa

President-elect Donald Trump

The discussion by Raphael Perez Dec. 15 that a narrow election victory does not equate to a policy mandate raises a very valid point. Unfortunately, the Biden victory by a slim margin four years ago resulted in disastrous economic, immigration, foreign policy and environmental mandates. So where was this discussion four years ago? Set aside because of the prevailing vitriol toward Trump.

— Tim Woodington, Glendora

The Constitution

Re “Politicians: Read the Constitution” (Dec. 15):

I would like Susan Shelley to write the same article about her favorite president, the soon-to-be sworn-in Donald Trump. It’s important for presidents to know what they are swearing to uphold.

This is also true about the sycophants around him, many of whom have likely also never read what they will soon swear to uphold.

— Ion Puschila, Upland