Birthright Citizenship: A discussion with Mises Institute's Ryan McMaken

Summary

In this conversation, David Campbell and Ryan McMaken delve into the complexities surrounding birthright citizenship in the United States, particularly focusing on the historical context of the 14th Amendment, the implications of political allegiance, and the role of the Federal Reserve in relation to national debt. They explore the nuances of citizenship laws, the debate over immigration, and the historical interpretations that have shaped current legal frameworks. The discussion highlights the ongoing relevance of these issues in contemporary society and the need for a nuanced understanding of citizenship and jurisdiction.

Takeaways

• The 14th Amendment is central to the discussion of birthright citizenship.
• Birthright citizenship varies significantly across different countries.
• The U.S. has a more liberal approach to birthright citizenship than most nations.
• Political allegiance is a debated aspect of the 14th Amendment.
• Historical context is crucial for understanding current citizenship laws.
• The complexity of citizenship includes considerations of jurisdiction.
• The Federal Reserve plays a significant role in managing national debt.
• Executive orders on citizenship can raise significant legal questions.
• The relationship between immigration and naturalization is complex and intertwined.
• Public discourse on citizenship is evolving and becoming more critical.

Titles

• Understanding Birthright Citizenship
• The 14th Amendment: A Historical Perspective
• Political Allegiance and Citizenship

Sound Bites

• "The 14th Amendment is really what everybody brings up."
• "The question then is who does this apply to?"
• "It's not entirely clear to me either."
• "Naturalization and immigration are two separate issues."
• "What does it mean to be subject to the jurisdiction?"
• "You can buy the book on Amazon or read it for free at Mises.org."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Birthright Citizenship

06:01
Historical Context of the 14th Amendment

12:25
The Debate on Political Allegiance

18:51
The Complexity of Citizenship and Jurisdiction

24:36
The Role of the Federal Reserve and National Debt