Month: December 2024

BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

/ Motunde Dada / 2 Comments

As Warami read the posts on her social media, she came upon the information that Donald Trump intends to do away with Birthright Citizenship, otherwise referred to as “JUS SOLI.”  Warami’s heart skipped a beat as she pondered her fate. She was now six months pregnant and had arranged with her eldest sister – Alero, to have her baby in the United States in the first quarter of next year, with expectations that the child would automatically acquire American citizenship and the attendant right of an American. All medical arrangements had been concluded and even though the financial implication was heavy, she had adjudged it worthwhile. Now, she was unsure of whether to cancel the plans or to go along and keep her fingers crossed.

What exactly is birthright citizenship? It is a legal principle that entitles babies born within the boundaries of a country to be automatically awarded citizenship of that country. A number of countries in the western hemisphere actually operate this principle although with some modifications as to other requirements in addition to the fact of birth. In the USA, this principle was adopted under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1868 and has remained in force since then.

For a lot of parents from Developing countries, the opportunities inherent in having citizenship of a country that boasts rights and privileges, improved education, healthcare and social services are tempting, resulting in the development of “Birth Tourism” whereby, parents like Warami, visit the country, purely for the purpose of birthing their child there. Since 2020, the USA had stopped granting tourist visas to persons suspected to be visiting the country for such purpose. It therefore comes as no surprise that the stoppage of birthright citizenship forms a core part of the Trump agenda on immigration. The big question however is whether he can succeed in taking away birthright citizenship or better still, how easy would it be for him to achieve this?

My thoughts are that stoppage is achievable although it may not be an easy procedure. For it to gain acceptability, it would be easier to amend the provision rather than expunge it. For instance, the provision of the Constitution can be amended to include other prior or surrounding conditions, such as that the mother must have been resident in the USA for a minimum number of years, etc. Any amendment to the Constitution would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate along with the ratification of three-quarters of the states. Consequently, I do not expect that this will be quickly resolved although, given the current global emphasis on immigration laws, it is only a matter of time before there will be restrictions placed on birthright citizenship, globally.

For countries that do not allow dual citizenship, children birthed in the USA or other countries may be forced to forfeit their paternal country with dire consequences, especially for Government or political appointments. Also, USA tax laws are based on citizenship not residency which means that wherever the citizen is located or resident, his taxes will be repatriated back to the USA.

Havilah therefore advises intending parents to look before they leap as the immigration dynamics in most Western countries are changing and they need to make informed decisions especially as they relate to their offspring.

Love

Havilah

DISCERNMENT OF RIGHT FROM WRONG

/ Motunde Dada / 1 Comment

As Ladunni and Buky walked away from the Christian Fellowship centre deep in conversation about the bible study that had just ended, they heard a loud honk from an approaching Lexus jeep which packed just beside them. A cheerful baritone voice boomed “Hello Lady Dunni, hop in and let me take you home.” Ladunni quickly opened the door to the front passenger seat and waved her friend to the rear seat. On first appearance, Buky mistook the man in the driver’s seat for Uncle Gbegi – Buky’s brother-in-law who was married to her eldest sister, Aunty Pero. However, as conversations proceeded it became clear to Ladunni that this relationship was beyond the ordinary. When they reached the hostel where they both resided, Buky alighted and Ladunni drove off with the man.

The next day, Buky enquired from her friend about the nature of her relationship with the man and Ladunni’s response was “Olamide is my boo.” He is so caring and spoils me silly with gifts. He is interested in marrying me, but we want to give the relationship some time. We met two months ago and honestly Buky, he swept me off my feet. He genuinely loves me and adores the ground I step on. “ The accolades kept flowing until Buky said “Ladun, can you listen to yourself? This man is as old as Uncle Gbegi. He is probably married with children. What do you think you are up to? Ladunni quickly replied…”Yes, he is much older than me and married with two children. However, he says I am the girl of his dreams. He actually dreamt about his wife, and I fit the girl he dreamt about. He married his wife due to pressure from his parents and he plans to divorce her to marry me. After all, God moves in mysterious ways, and I know his thoughts for me are thoughts of good. He sees my needs and has sent me a Divine helper to carry my financial burden. I have also prayed about it, and I am convinced he is my God-sent husband.”

“Oladunni! Let us consider this situation from the logical, moral, and spiritual points of view.” Buky continued.

  1. “How do you think members of your family will view your relationship with someone old enough to be married to your eldest sister?
  2. How would you feel if you learnt Uncle Gbegi was in such a relationship and Aunty Pero is not aware?
  3. How do you know he is being truthful about his intentions and purported dream or more importantly, its interpretation? I want to believe that your judgement is beclouded which is why you FEEL God is affirming him.
  4. This relationship contradicts biblical principles. The Bible frowns at divorce and worse still, he is not even a divorcee yet. Hmmm sis, tread cautiously.”

Ladunni shrugged Buky off and started avoiding her but as a loyal friend, concern for her friend pushed her to relate her conversation to a youth counsellor at their Fellowship Centre – Mrs. Gbotemi.

Mrs. Gbotemi sought out Ladunni and took her through a series of sessions on the interpretation of the bible on the sanctity and integrity of marriage, what constitutes adultery (even the act of lusting, is considered adultery) including the desire or intention to engage in extra-marital relationship. She asked Ladunni to question his motives for all the gifts he lavishes on her. ” Does he not have relatives who need his benevolence?” Eventually, she succeeded in convincing Ladunni to break off the relationship and reconciled the two friends Buky and Ladunni.

Havilah is of the opinion that enlightenment and educative discussions need to be done for teenagers especially as many are naïve when they gain admission into tertiary institutions where they are usually away from the supervision of parents or guardians. They must understand that things are not always what they seem, and the litmus test is to be aligned with God’s word. No leading from the Holy Spirit will contradict God’s word because God is not a God of confusion, and he will never contradict his word.

Love

Havilah