Lt Col Jim Coe2302947<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Currently all people born in the US are granted citizenship at birth. Legal aliens may apply for and be granted citizenship after passing tests and completing an extensive application process. Many natural-born citizens choose to remain ignorant about the Constitution and their rights and about 40% choose not to vote. Should citizenship become an earned privilege?Should US Citizenship be something that must be earned even if you are born in the USA?2017-02-01T13:17:13-05:00Lt Col Jim Coe2302947<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Currently all people born in the US are granted citizenship at birth. Legal aliens may apply for and be granted citizenship after passing tests and completing an extensive application process. Many natural-born citizens choose to remain ignorant about the Constitution and their rights and about 40% choose not to vote. Should citizenship become an earned privilege?Should US Citizenship be something that must be earned even if you are born in the USA?2017-02-01T13:17:13-05:002017-02-01T13:17:13-05:00SrA Edward Vong2302952<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-133317"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image">
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<a class="fancybox" rel="19f88611b13cdfea1f4371e5ad876678" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/133/317/for_gallery_v2/f1226303.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/133/317/large_v3/f1226303.jpg" alt="F1226303" /></a></div></div>No, because it's unconstitutional. It's also within every citizen's right to choose whether or not they wish to be informed. That's the beauty of liberty.<br /><br />This isn't Starship Troopers.Response by SrA Edward Vong made Feb 1 at 2017 1:19 PM2017-02-01T13:19:28-05:002017-02-01T13:19:28-05:00MSgt Alvin A.2302965<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Rome required Military Service to be a Citizen. The Spartans of Greece took away their Son's at age 8... to build them, to mold them into Warriors. We should do something as a Society that is IMPACTING! It has to be Generational.Response by MSgt Alvin A. made Feb 1 at 2017 1:23 PM2017-02-01T13:23:31-05:002017-02-01T13:23:31-05:00SGT Jerrold Pesz2302981<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes.Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 1 at 2017 1:29 PM2017-02-01T13:29:41-05:002017-02-01T13:29:41-05:00MCPO Roger Collins2303017<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Federalist Papers discussed this aspect, that is who should be permitted to vote. The results are what we have today in the Constitution and it's amendments. Our problem isn't what is written in the Constitution, but what the constructionists have modified the words to mean. A direct answer is no, although I believe there should be some sort of qualifier, there is nothing that leads me to believe this is a good idea.Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 1 at 2017 1:39 PM2017-02-01T13:39:56-05:002017-02-01T13:39:56-05:00MSG Brad Sand2303022<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, because I can quickly see the negatives and abuse those in power could create in earning something you were born with. I could understand possibly looking at the status of the parents before granting US citizenship, but I think that is a different question.<br />The last election cycle showed me how many people do not understand 'natural born' but like parental status in citizenship, that is different question too.Response by MSG Brad Sand made Feb 1 at 2017 1:40 PM2017-02-01T13:40:32-05:002017-02-01T13:40:32-05:00SN Greg Wright2303036<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Emphatically not. I would, however, be just fine with a requirement to serve for 2 years, either in the military, government, teaching, etc.Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 1 at 2017 1:45 PM2017-02-01T13:45:00-05:002017-02-01T13:45:00-05:00MSgt James Mullis2303138<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No to earning citizenship. Yes, to earning the franchise to vote. There is no actual constitutional provision stating that all citizens have the right to vote, only that voting rights cannot be dispensed on the basis of race or gender discrimination. I would like to see Congress pass a law requiring people meet a set standard that ensures they understand how the government works. The current naturalization test would be a good start or say passing a high school civics course.Response by MSgt James Mullis made Feb 1 at 2017 2:24 PM2017-02-01T14:24:43-05:002017-02-01T14:24:43-05:001SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member2303341<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Only if we amend the Constitution.Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 3:36 PM2017-02-01T15:36:23-05:002017-02-01T15:36:23-05:00MAJ James Woods2303661<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No but I do believe emphasis in our schools at educating our students in U.S. history and Constitution. And not revisionist history where it differs based on which state produces the history books. But it wouldn't hurt to have a U.S. government test that must be passed your senior year of H.S. or part of GED test that shows students didn't brain dumb fundamentals of U.S. government; also applies to homeschooled children as well. You fail, no diploma; we can't have the next generation of voters not understanding how elections and government works and why they should vote when they turn 18.Response by MAJ James Woods made Feb 1 at 2017 4:54 PM2017-02-01T16:54:33-05:002017-02-01T16:54:33-05:00Cpl Joshua Caldwell2303711<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Interesting idea, it dates back to the Roman empire but it might merit.Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Feb 1 at 2017 5:08 PM2017-02-01T17:08:55-05:002017-02-01T17:08:55-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member2303873<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Wishful thinking, if they were denied citizenship due to lack of applying (or failing the required tasks) where would you send them?Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 6:04 PM2017-02-01T18:04:11-05:002017-02-01T18:04:11-05:00MSG Private RallyPoint Member2304393<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For those legally born here meaning Parents are American citizens, no, but it would be nice if they were required to do some form of service such as Conservation Corps, Military, etc. <br />I support the idea that people who came here illegally such as when they were children should be able to have a path to citizenship by serving at least 3 or more years in the militaryResponse by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 9:08 PM2017-02-01T21:08:35-05:002017-02-01T21:08:35-05:00SFC George Smith2304529<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>IOnly if you were born to parents who stole into the country Like Thieves In the Night...Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 1 at 2017 9:53 PM2017-02-01T21:53:37-05:002017-02-01T21:53:37-05:00SGT Matthew S.2304702<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Although an enticing idea, the potential for abuse is staggering. My thought is a resounding "no".Response by SGT Matthew S. made Feb 1 at 2017 10:49 PM2017-02-01T22:49:35-05:002017-02-01T22:49:35-05:00MAJ Private RallyPoint Member2305240<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>100 % NO! I am happy most people do not think it's a good idea. I am not sure how else to get people to understand the government, the constitution or rights other than formal education. My biased opinion is that security, education, healthcare and scientific research/study should be the most federally invested institutions and also immune to any cutbacks. I think you run into a slipper at slope when you begin to add a separate "qualifying" dynamic other than natural birth and naturalization to earning citizenship.Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 2:32 AM2017-02-02T02:32:04-05:002017-02-02T02:32:04-05:00Lt Col Jim Coe2306007<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Update as of 2/2/2017: Most respondents say we should keep birth-right citizenship. Many also said we should improve "civics" education so more citizens understand both their rights and responsibilities. Some put in a vote for requiring "national service". Other respondents point out that administering a system of legal residents and citizens, both having been born in the US, would be difficult. Also, determining the different rights and responsibilities of legal residents and citizens may be a difficult challenge. The main difference IMO would be the right to vote and hold high public office.Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 2 at 2017 10:37 AM2017-02-02T10:37:12-05:002017-02-02T10:37:12-05:00SSgt Private RallyPoint Member2306885<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No. If it was who decides what you have to know to qualify as a citizen? The elite would make it so only those that were connected could gain their citizenship and that would hurt the nation. Remember choosing not to vote is still exercising your right as an American citizen.Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 2:20 PM2017-02-02T14:20:55-05:002017-02-02T14:20:55-05:00CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A.2307373<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes. I am a fan of Heinlein's portrayal of citizens and civilians.Response by CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. made Feb 2 at 2017 5:05 PM2017-02-02T17:05:37-05:002017-02-02T17:05:37-05:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member2307782<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No.Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 7:10 PM2017-02-02T19:10:38-05:002017-02-02T19:10:38-05:00SrA James Cannon2310318<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>While it is certainly true that folks who go through the naturalization process seem to know way more about the functioning of our government and society that natural born citizens, I don't know that I'd be in favor of everyone having to take some test to be a citizen. I would however, be in favor of changing the criteria of a natural citizen to require at least one parent to be a citizen for the person to be a natural born citizen. I think this would do away with the anchor baby issue.Response by SrA James Cannon made Feb 3 at 2017 4:40 PM2017-02-03T16:40:43-05:002017-02-03T16:40:43-05:00Capt Gregory Prickett2311053<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely not, that's an unconstitutional proposal.Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Feb 3 at 2017 9:37 PM2017-02-03T21:37:10-05:002017-02-03T21:37:10-05:00Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen2312553<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, that's unconstitutional. However I think that there should be some form of mandatory federal service that everyone must participate in by some age, say 25 for example. Part of that service should include training in the areas you indicate people choose to remain ignorant about. This doesn't mean mandatory military service, it means service for the good of Americans in general. Many programs exist now (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usa.gov/volunteer">https://www.usa.gov/volunteer</a>) but if made mandatory more areas can be added and shouldn't be just volunteer; needs to be some compensation involved. <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 4 at 2017 12:41 PM2017-02-04T12:41:57-05:002017-02-04T12:41:57-05:00SSgt Mose Carter3720267<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That is an irrelevant question since the Constitution guarantees citizenship if you are born in the United States of America. So the answer to your question is no.Response by SSgt Mose Carter made Jun 17 at 2018 6:22 PM2018-06-17T18:22:10-04:002018-06-17T18:22:10-04:00SFC Ralph E Kelley3720592<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-245216"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image">
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AShould US Citizenship be something that must be earned even if you are born in the USA?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-us-citizenship-be-something-that-must-be-earned-even-if-you-are-born-in-the-usa"
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<a class="fancybox" rel="800ae1287b90fda2bbc4e64cd6267d7d" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/245/216/for_gallery_v2/c86009f8.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/245/216/large_v3/c86009f8.jpg" alt="C86009f8" /></a></div></div>says NO!Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 17 at 2018 9:39 PM2018-06-17T21:39:11-04:002018-06-17T21:39:11-04:00SPC Michael Dillon3998425<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This shouldn't even be a questionResponse by SPC Michael Dillon made Sep 26 at 2018 8:34 PM2018-09-26T20:34:35-04:002018-09-26T20:34:35-04:002017-02-01T13:17:13-05:00