Chapter Confronts Challenges to 14th Amendment with Lively Forum

On March 29, the Lower Hudson Valley Chapter held a public forum called, “Confronting Challenges to the 14th Amendment.” The informative event was held to discuss the recent proposals to reinterpret the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. This movement threatens to take away the birthright citizenship of those born to undocumented parents. More than 70 people attended.

NYCLU Advocacy Director Udi Ofer served as the keynote speaker. He talked about the history and legal cases that support the rights of those undocumented. He later clarified the facts from the myths surrounding about undocumented immigrants. Ofer went on to answer audience members’ questions on various aspects of the legality of immigration.

NYCLU Advocacy Director Udi Ofer takes questions during the chapter’s March 29 forum on protecting the 14th Amendment.

Associate Political Science Professor John Gitlitz of Purchase College and Board Chair of the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Hispanic Center addressed the unconstitutionality of revoking birthright citizenship. Gitlitz analyzed the economic benefits to the country of extending citizenship to undocumented immigrants. He also spoke about the cost of deporting those that are undocumented.

Two local students, Henry from Saunders High School in Yonkers and Jose from Sleepy Hollow High School, shared personal stories of the struggles they have endured while living with their undocumented parents. They live in fear that their families would be torn apart through deportation. Additionally, if their citizenship were to be revoked, they would be refused many benefits and privileges, including furthering their education.

Betsy Palmieri, executive director of the Hudson Valley Community Coalition, was also on the panel. She stressed the importance of understanding that immigrants are people who only want to live peacefully in the country which they now call home.