Illegal immigrants have been a controversial issue in the United States for some time now, and within the past few months the 14th Amendment has begun springing up in discussions.

The 14th Amendment needs to be modified to fit changing times. Illegal immigrants are abusing the rights of citizenship granted to those born on American soil by entering America and having children. Some illegal immigrants do this to have an anchor in America to make it more difficult for them to be arrested or deported. Others even go as far as to reap the benefits of government aid given to their children. The 14th Amendment needs to be altered to prevent the abuse of an amendment created to give people freed from slavery protection from discrimination. This type of modification is simple; the U.S. needs to change the amendment so it allows only the children of legal citizens of the U.S. to be born as citizens. This would deter the attempts of non-citizens to enter our borders illegally and abuse the government aid meant to help actual citizens of our country.

Immigration creates unique blends of cultural elements found only in one place, but it�s something that must be done legally in order for America to be a truly wonderful place to live.

It�s astonishing to think that a partial solution is readily available, but sad to think that it is not being put into action.

THOMAS GILBERT

Sutton

EDITOR�S NOTE: Seventeen other Sutton Memorial High School history class students also submitted letters.