Presidency should be open to all U.S. citizens

America is a country founded and built by immigrants, and it is
time that all citizens ““ including those born in other
nations ““ have the right to run for president.

Although the idea is currently in vogue because of a certain
actor-turned-governor, its merits extend far beyond the hopes of
some for a Terminator-president.

When the United States was founded there were specific concerns
that prompted the inclusion of a Constitutional clause allowing
only “natural born” citizens to become president. But
the United States ““ and the world ““ has changed
dramatically since the 18th century.

The United States has been independent for well over 200 years
and has evolved into a strong and vibrant nation. Partisan
politics, the national media and the FBI would undoubtedly
scrutinize any foreign-born candidate, uncovering any questionable
allegiances or potential conflicts.

Voters are also well equipped to make their own choices about
the backgrounds and merits of presidential candidates.

The United States itself has become more complicated. There are
many immigrants who have lived in this country their entire adult
lives. There are natural-born citizens who live abroad or
constantly travel to other nations.

Many people hold dual citizenship in other nations around the
globe. It is hard to justify the stance that there is something
special about natural-born citizens that other citizens cannot
share.

It is also naive to believe that a natural-born citizen is
somehow more protected from undue influence from global
superpowers, whether they be other countries, ideologies or
transnational corporations.

Political borders are not now, nor were the ever, the only
factor defining nation states and their citizens. Immigration,
global companies, the United Nations, and other modern institutions
have all altered how the world’s governments interact.

The United States should be willing to update its Constitution
to reflect this.

So far, several amendments have been introduced in Congress.
They require between zero and 35 years of citizenship before an
immigrant can run for president.

Lawmakers should be prudent when crafting the amendment. They
should carefully consider whether a lengthy period of citizenship,
perhaps up to 30 years, be required of all candidates.

Questions about dual citizenship and residency must also be
answered. Considering the sensitive nature of the job, it is
reasonable to require a president to revoke his or her dual
citizenship.

Although it’s difficult for people to think about this
amendment without also imagining Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the
Oval Office, it shouldn’t cloud the justification behind the
change.

Whether or not Schwarzenegger would make an ideal president is
irrelevant to rectifying this inequality.

Amending the constitution should be a rare and highly
scrutinized process.

But history has proven how invaluable immigrants have been to
this country.

As much as the country likes to pretend this is a land of
opportunity, denying an entire population this important of an
opportunity goes against what the United States should stand
for.