It turns out that Tom Tancredo, a man not known for his moderation when it comes to immigration policy, actually opposes changing the Constitution in order to end birthright citizenship. In an interview with CNN, the former Republican congressman and current Colorado gubernatorial candidate said that the debate over the 14th Amendment is “almost a ruse.” Instead of changing the Constitution to put a stop to so-called “anchor babies,” Tancredo says he would instigate a good old-fashioned court battle.
Reports CNN:
Tancredo also said he would force the issue “through the mechanism we use to fund education. We could say for instance that we are not going to provide support for people, the children of people who are here illegally.”
Snapping his fingers for emphasis, he explained, “That would immediately start a lawsuit just like that and hopefully it would get to the Supreme Court right away.”
Tancredo’s position on the 14th Amendment puts him at odds with the 49% of Americans and the several Republican leaders — including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader John Boehner — who say the Constitution should be changed in order to put an end to birthright citizenship.
These days, though, Tancredo’s used to running counter to the Republican mainstream. As the Constitution Party candidate in Colorado’s gubernatorial race, Tancredo’s tanking the Republican candidate’s chances in the race and enraging the Republican leadership.
