In a surprising twist of political irony, Jack Ciattarelli, a candidate for governor in New Jersey, opposes a policy that once benefited his own family. This stance brings his family history into the spotlight, revealing complexities in the debate over birthright citizenship.
The Birthright Citizenship Debate
The 14th Amendment has historically guaranteed citizenship to anyone born in the United States, a principle now under scrutiny following an executive order by President Donald Trump. Trump argues that this constitutional provision was intended to apply only to children of emancipated slaves, sparking a legal battle that has now reached the Supreme Court. Should the court uphold Trump’s order, it could potentially affect 11 million individuals born in the country, making them susceptible to deportation.
During a campaign event, Ciattarelli questioned the current interpretation of the 14th Amendment: “Do I believe that someone should be able to just cross the border, give birth and have that baby be an American citizen? I don’t. That’s not what the intent was of the 14th Amendment.”
Ciattarelli’s Ancestral Connection
Historical records reveal that Ciattarelli’s grandfather, Antonio, was an immigrant who fathered children in the U.S. before gaining citizenship. A World War I draft card from 1917 or 1918 shows Antonio did not claim U.S. citizenship at that time, which was a common position among Italian immigrants planning to pursue naturalization. The card also documented that Antonio had two children.
The 1920 census further details Antonio’s immigration in 1908 and his application for citizenship, though he had not yet been naturalized. His children, born in 1914 and 1915, were thus recognized as U.S. citizens by birth. By 1930, Antonio had become a naturalized citizen, and Ciattarelli’s father, Anthony, was born, though the records do not specify whether this was before or after Antonio’s naturalization.
Political Implications
Ciattarelli’s stance contrasts sharply with his Democratic opponent, Mikie Sherrill, who supports the Born in the USA Act. This legislation aims to counteract Trump’s executive order and preserve birthright citizenship as it currently stands.
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