Commentary
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding birthright citizenship—that is, that anyone born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen—offers a sobering glimpse into the legal complexities that await Canada if policymakers do not move quickly to combat the growing problem of birth tourism.
Specifically, the court struck down an executive order from the U.S. president that would have eliminated birthright citizenship, maintaining the 14th Amendment’s current interpretation and demonstrating how constitutional entrenchment can thwart reform.
Canada also faces an escalating birth tourism problem that Parliament could still solve through simple legislative action. This is good news for Canada, as we would have an easier time ending birthright citizenship than the United States….