America
Imitating Trump, Bobby Jindal seeks end of birthright citizenship
By
Arun KumarWashington, Aug 22 Amidst a controversy over "anchor babies" Bobby Jindal, who was born three months after his pregnant mother came to the US from India, has joined party frontrunner Donald Trump in calling for the end of birthright citizenship.
But the Indian-American Republican presidential hopeful, who is languishing at the bottom of most polls, made sure to point out at an event in Columbus, Ohio Friday that when his parents immigrated, "they came to this country legally."
Returning to his now familiar theme about being tired of hyphenated Americans, Louisiana governor Jindal said anyone who wants to come to the US must "learn English, adopt our values, and when you get here, roll up your sleeves and get to work."
"Immigration without assimilation is invasion," he declared at a Defending the American Dream Summit hosted by conservative Americans for Prosperity.
Claiming that he could secure the southern border with Mexico within six months of becoming president, he said officials in Washington should be fired for making excuses about securing the border.
"A smart immigration policy will make our country stronger - a dumb immigration policy will make it weaker," he said. "Today, we have a dumb immigration policy."
He also called for prosecuting officials in "sanctuary cities" which shelter illegal immigrants and don't cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws, when their undocumented residents commit crimes.
He also detailed his Partners in Crime proposal to put an end to sanctuary cities, which would see mayors in those cities charged as accessories to crimes committed by undocumented workers.
Most Republican presidential hopefuls have hardened their stance on immigration since real estate mogul leapt to the top of the crowded Republican field after vowing to build a wall to prevent people from Mexico from sneaking in and ending the birthright citizenship of illegal immigrants' children.
Trying to imitate Trump, establishment favorite Jeb Bush stepped into controversy Thursday when he referred to US-born children of undocumented immigrants as "anchor babies."
In a testy exchange with reporters in New Hampshire, Bush said that he doesn't believe the expression is offensive and blamed Democrats for perpetuating the notion that it is an insult.
"Do you have a better term?" he asked one reporter. "You give me a better term and I'll use it."
Trump used the term for people who immigrate illegally into the US to give birth to ensure US citizenship for their child.
Jindal, who earned less than half of 1 percent in CNN's recent poll, also attacked Bush, who otherwise advocates comprehensive changes to the immigration system and has said "that people born in this country ought to be American citizens."
58 minutes ago
Walz, Vance debate West Asia, immigration, climate and personal failings
58 minutes ago
EAM Jaishankar, Blinken discuss West Asia, Ukraine
1 hour ago
Biden directs US forces to aid Israel's defence against Iran
1 hour ago
Marked by congeniality, Walz-Vance debate a polar opposite of acrimonious Harris-Trump encounter
1 hour ago
Avoid all non-essential travel to Iran: MEA
1 hour ago
Deeply concerned at escalation of security situation in West Asia: India
1 hour ago
Telangana Governor, CM pay tributes at Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad
1 hour ago
PM Modi virtually inaugurates gaushala with Bio-CNG plant in Gwalior
1 hour ago
SRK promises intense action with new ‘Jawan’ promo ahead of its Japan release
1 hour ago
Peter Dinklage, Himesh Patel join as voice cast for ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ adaptation
1 hour ago
India IPO boom: 15 companies submit draft documents in just 1 day
1 hour ago
Lucky to play in my first Women's T20 WC at 19, says Scotland’s Darcey Carter
1 hour ago
RG Kar protest: ‘Woman in pain’ statue at hospital attracts jibe from Trinamool leader