Debate expected over bid to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants

A proposal to change long-standing federal policy and deny citizenship to babies born to &to=http://english.pravda.ru/society/2001/03/21/3083.html' target=_blank>illegal immigrants on U.S. soil ran aground this month in Congress, but it is sure to resurface _ kindling bitter debate even if it fails to become law.

At issue is "birthright citizenship" _ provided for since the Constitution's 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868.

Section 1 of that amendment, drafted with freed slaves in mind, says: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."