In the Constitution, the issue of foreign-born citizens needs to be outlined in a clear fashion. Foreign-born citizens often face many challenges. Some of the difficulties include prejudice in the work environment as well as in the society (Crow 73). It is an utter absurdity to live in a nation where some citizens are given preferential treatment. Such a scenario causes strife among citizens, and if allowed to continue, it may blow up leading to intolerance in the society (Crow 77).
What does it mean to be a second-class citizen? A second-class citizen refers to a foreign-born citizen in America who is not fully recognized. He or she has limited rights as pointed out in the Constitution. An individual may be a resident, but he or she does not enjoy the fruits of living in America like a natural-born citizen. For example, he/she is not allowed to participate in any important exercise such as voting. (Crow 79).
The reason for seeking to introduce an amendment is to offer second-class citizens equal rights, because each human being desires to live in an area that he or she is comfortable in. This is possible by living in a society where individuals are allowed to enjoy all civil liberties, just as natural-born citizens. Other than enabling citizens to gain access to initially restricted privileges, the amendment will help to create a fertile ground for current and future coexistence among the citizenry (Crow 81). The world is fast evolving into a global village where physical or regional boundaries does not limit area of residence, or where he/she works. This is a reality that needs to be acknowledged, and necessary mechanisms are set in place to ensure compliance (Crow 83).
Why is the amendment necessary? The amendment serves a number of purposes; one being enabling people to vote. Voting is an exercise that has a profound effect. The power of choosing a leader is an essential ingredient for democracy. It allows the individual to control his/her destiny. It is estimated that America hosts about twenty million foreign-born citizens. This is a large number; hence their electoral rights need to be considered. A person living in a nation for many years should be allowed the opportunity to become citizens enjoying all civil rights (Hamlett, 97). If a nation can allow individuals who are deemed to be foreign-born citizens to participate in the military or any other government initiative, then such an individual should be allowed full citizenship. The amendment, however, does not intend to give foreigners a ‘blank cheque’ in issues of citizenship. Various rules and regulations must be adhered to, and qualified individuals accorded the opportunity (Hamlett 101).
The amendment would also recognize the need to have equal rights in the workplace. Being born in another nation may not mean an individual lacks the competence to perform his or her role in the workplace well. Among the foreign-born citizenry, there are numerous highly qualified people who, if accorded equal rights, could assist the nation to further its future developmental agenda (Hamlett 107).
The government should not look at these individuals merely on the basis of their foreign background. Instead, it should consider them as vital individuals who will contribute to the country. History is comprised of with individuals who travelled and settled in foreign nations and they contributed greatly to their new nationalities (Hamlett 109).
