Representative Duncan Hunter wants to deport the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants but he isn't the only one who wants to change the U.S. Constitution.
Hunter, who spoke at a tea party gathering in Ramona Saturday, said he does not believe children born to illegal immigrant parents should get automatic U.S. citizenship.
In a video posted Saturday on YouTube, Hunter appears to be taking questions from the crowd when he is asked if he would support the deportation of children born to illegal immigrants.
“I would have to,” he said.
“It’s a complex issue and it’s… you can look and say, ‘You’re a mean guy, that’s a mean thing to do, that’s not a humanitarian thing to do.’ We simply cannot afford what we’re doing right now,” he said. "California’s going under.”
“We’re not being mean,” he told the crowd. “We’re just saying it takes more than just walking across the border to become an American citizen.”
Our media partner the North County Times confirmed the statements when a reporter spoke with Hunter Tuesday.
The congressman, whose district includes parts of Poway and Ramona in North County, told the paper that it makes sense that if the parents of illegal immigrant children are deported, that their children go with them. Hunter said he also supports a bill, House Resolution 1868, that would eliminate automatic citizenship for those children.
Local
Currently, the Constitution grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
Hunter isn't the only politician to take the controversial stand on the hot button issue of immigration.
More than 90 congressional representatives -- including Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray, who also represent San Diego County districts -- support federal legislation to eliminate automatic citizenship for children born on U-S soil.
Critics, however, say that it's wrong to change the 14th Amendment and throw out a century of legal precedent.
"It just perpetuates what has always been the law of the land and, specifically, that no one can be denied citizenship," said political analyst Raoul Lowery. "Because prior to the 14th Amendment, blacks -- afro-Americans -- were not permitted to become citizens."
The proposal to change the Constitution would require at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen, a legal permanent resident, or an immigrant serving in the armed forces. It was introduced last year and is stalled in the Congress.
During the clip, Hunter is also heard supporting the controversial new legislation in Arizona calling it “a fantastic starting point.”
“This is a National Security issue,” he told the crowd. “It’s not complicated.”
Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
