By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
Hundreds of you have submitted very thoughtful questions for me through Facebook, Twitter and my blog. Here is my response to the question: Should people born outside the United States - but now U.S. citizens - be allowed to become president?
I think they should for one very simple reason: I was born outside the United States. I’m only half kidding, but this is the only place where there is a distinction made between naturalized Americans and native-born Americans.
There are scholars who believe that this distinction was made because Thomas Jefferson did not want Alexander Hamilton to become president. Hamilton was born in Nevis.
It does seem an odd distinction to make because nowhere else in America and in no other aspect of American life is there a distinction made between native-born and naturalized Americans.
Naturalized citizens are citizens just like anybody else. They can do everything else Americans can do. They can run for every other office. So why this one exception?
I should hasten to add: It’s not that I want to be president. It's just that I’d rather be in a system where I’m not constitutionally excluded from the top job.
I don't really understand the principle of the matter. Are native-born Americans better than naturalized Americans?
It strikes me that naturalized Americans Sergey Brin, Madeleine Albright, Jennifer Granholm or Gene Simmons are perfectly as American as anyone else.
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No. I’m open to a lot of things, but unless you were born in America, you don’t need to be president. I’m not saying were superior or anything, there are great leaders, and brilliant people not from America, but it needs to stay the way it is. Get liberal, but not that liberal. We don't have to change every single thing every single day you know.
If an eligible citizen can't run for president, just because he wasn't born here, he could still make himself useful – by pulling the strings from behind the sceine. Kissinger and Albright were secretaries of state and represented the country abroad.
Yeah and Henry Kissinger is an absolutely good example, I mean the man is a true genius and a committed American, more American in fact than lot of who was born and raised here especially nowadays. I wish he could be president, he'd be one of the greatest!!!!!
The phrase: "If an eligible citizen can't run for president, just because he wasn't born here" makes no sense, because your NOT an eligible citizen if you were not born here, so, the person is NOT eligible
What "USAistheBEST" meant, "Jayce Chandler" by ELIGIBLE is that you are eligible to run for public office. The office of the President is not something that can be left to chance of corruption, no matter how infinitely minute that chance may be.
Are you insane? Kissinger is an evil evil man. The councel on forgen relations is a terrorist think tank, and kissinger has plainly stated that a one world bank run system is what his and his cronnies goal is, it is sad and sick, and you are right, he IS the perfict example why only natural citizens, not those with forgen intrests can be the president.
pewtermcali- "...The office of the President is not something that can be left to chance of corruption, no matter how infinitely minute that chance may be."
I'm sure most would whole heartedly agree with the statement above. However can you show data that an American that wasn't born here (so they or there parents had to proactively move here and go through the process to becoem a citizen) vs one that was (an act they had no control over themselves) is somehow less (to use your word) corrupt, or for that matter any less loyal, effective, or anything else based on tha fact that they simply weren't born here? Again, note other countries do not have this as part of their law.
Remember the name- Timothy McVeigh, US citizen born in New York and US Army veteran.
What exactly is your justification for that? A citizen is a citizen, no? If someone was raised an American and considers themselves first and foremost American, why should that opportunity be denied to them?
Because its the rules, the rules we set forth for the last ......well .... you know couple hundred years. Why change it? Has there been a flood of immigrant presidential candidates being suppressed that we have missed?? I think just have the country vote on it, and will go with the majority
You know, there are so many these days who consider things like citizenship or dual-citizenship to be just benefits and not really a feeling, a duty, a part of belonging. My wife is a LEGAL alien, speaks our language (yes, English) but still a citizen of her country. She's been here 15 years now (and I was a legal alien in her country before that). People seem to be a bit astonished when they ask if she's a citizen and she says she isn't. It's not to be taken lightly, it's not simply to get all the goodies that America often offers to others. Our kids are dual citizens until they're 21, then they must choose. I'm fine with all of that, particularly about my wife with her own decision or whatever her future decision might be. She gets angry at all the pandering to certain groups in the U.S. about voting, when she's not allowed to vote, yet so many of those others have huge amounts of non-citizens and even illegal aliens that get this pandering to. I think if someone, like my wife, decides at such a relatively late stage in their life to become a U.S. citizen, they're natural inclination will still, for most, to be towards their own country. Immigration these days I think is a far cry from the 1800s in this country.
oops..."they're"....their natural...
The reason a naturalized citizen cannot be president is to keep radicals and radical ideas out of the highest office in the country.
Thats why we have so many problems/issues here because of blinded people who just follow rules and are have very limited political views due to luck of knowledge and ability to accept what is above those "rules"... So sad and pathetic...
Money from Middle east or China can buy election. Naturalized citizens can live in America but not to lead this country to what ever political views or money it can buy.
juliana you are hispanic. Your culture, your values everything you learned is different than the US. probably you are catholic and now you live in your adopted protestant Nation, with protestant roots.
Look at your holidays and celebrations. different than this nation. You and all the other groups want to change America according your image NO, NO and NO. Respect, hierarchy, honor, boundaries, limits. LEARN the meaning of those words. I AM not native born and I am thankful for my ADOPTED Nation. I don't have the right to change its face and culture. GET A GRIP.
With all the respect to Mr. Pelegrini, but I can not believe what you are saying. First to all you are telling me that just because Juliana has a Hispanic name she is probably catholic and she celebrates different holidays than a person with a Caucasian name?? Let me tell you this Mr Pelegrini; my name is also Hispanic, but I am native-born American and not only because of my name and its origin celebrate different holidays than what any other american celebrates. I feel very bad when people categorize other people just because names and they start to believe and mark that other person based on those simple facts; to me that is very anti-america, I thought that you believed that this is the land of freedom. Trust me Mr. Pelegrini, I love this country with all my heart but I also believe that there is people who come to this country to embrace it as well and I believe that even tho not all of them do it; the few of them that embrace it, should be allow to run for a major office position. It does not matter weather you are Hispanic, African america , Asian, native american, European or from any other place in the world. You come to the United States to make the best of what you can to make this country the best country on earth and that's what I believe on.
If your imam had educated you properly, you would know that John F. Kennedy was Catholic, Silly islamic pig.
Jayce - 'because it's the rules for hundreds of years' is about the weakest argument one can have! As per past rules, women weren't allowed to vote, blacks weren't allowed to share bus rides with whites, and many other iniquities were de jure. Just because they've been done this way doesn't mean they should change. I can understand many people giving a purely emotional argument that Presidents should be 'native born', but I don't see a logical argument here. Many naturalized Americans are more patriotic than native-borns, and this is something of course they need to establish during their election process.
Hell no. Thomas Jefferson did not make that rule by himself you fool. It was Obviously agreed upon by all the founding fathers. non-citizens can hold many offices but the presidency is only for native* born citizens. Your question and proposition has alll the intelligence of of a very mature 7 year old. I had no Idea ZAKARIA was such a total idiot. Yea thing aint quite perfect in America but we don't need stupid foreign ideas. What a indufferable idiot. get a grip CNN. What a smear campaign on Thomas Jefferson. yea they had differences but your suggestion is inmature rubbish!
It is to ensure there is no double loyalty or significant influence by the way another country runs there government,
Pelegrini- please remember the concept of the melting pot. Anything added to it changes it however slight, and we all hope the change is for the better.
Chandler- just because "it's the rules...for a couple hundred years..." doesn't make it right or means it shouldn't be changed. Would you argue we should still have legal slavery, or that women or 18yo shouldn't be allowed to vote?
Fareed mentions in the article a likely reason for this law that no other country has- the politics of the time. "There are scholars who believe that this distinction was made because Thomas Jefferson did not want Alexander Hamilton to become president. Hamilton was born in Nevis."
You are a raging idiot. If something can be better, it should be changed. And giving naturalized citizens– who did a hell of a lot more to earn their citizenship, and probably know a hell of a lot more about American history and American government than most birthright citizens– the right to be president is in no way "that liberal". It's logical.
Your being emotional and not logical, so ill try to ignore most of what you said, if you feel you cannot speak in logic and calm terms then that's fine. Just because you elect a leader who is us born, dose not mean you have to elect someone who is ignorant. You go to the whole other end of the spectrum by saying now that a "non-born citizen" is somehow better then born citizen, and that just leads to a culture war, and wasted time on all our parts
It's not a matter of who has "earned" the right to be president. The requirement exists to safeguard the presidency against someone who may have conflicting interests. If there is a war between the US and a naturalized president's home country, that would be be a matter for concern when it comes to assessing the president's judgement.
That's not logical in the least. And voting and being a real citizen is probably much more emotional than "logical". And by the way, how they "know more" about this country is the same as you or I with, say, algebra. When I studied it in high school, I was really good at it. But it sure ain't very fresh in my mind now so don't ask me for much help with it! Same for those who have recently studied the citizenship exam...please! Knowing for a test and feeling in your heart are quite different.
I have lived in Michigan most of my life. Trust me, you do NOT want Jennifer Granholm to be able to run for president. It is well known here in Michigan that she played favorites with Canada (where she was from)and allowed their garbage to be shipped over the border and placed in our land fills. Things like this is why you must be born on American soil to be president. To prevent favoritisms to the original country.
If money bought an election, than also a President. There is big money whether from China or the Middle East. That is why we have laws and rights.
Naturalized people, like me should NOT become president.
...and I am NOT as american as the born ones. Fareed Zacharia, get a GRIP! you do not LOOK american, you don't have the CULTURE of america and people born here ARE superior on this matter.
The culture of america is: WHITE, PROTESTANT, PLAY BASEBALL, APPLE PIE, ENGLISH, HARD WORK. period.
it is BECAUSE of the Protestants and their philosophy of freedom and tolerance they Nation started to absorb other groups. And please, do not dump the useless argument of "native americans'. They were divided in hundreds of tribes, killing each other and they were CONQUERED. get over it.
Africans were dragged here on slavery because for almost 2000 years they were not considered people but animals. Slavery was seem as fine (funny thing that it is seem fine by african themselves, the only group of humans who use slavery now a days and enslave themselves!!! ).
Maybe Zacharia you would have a better chance if your name was JOHN, DAVID, STEVE, MIKE, BRIAN and some others.....
and get your selfishness and self-centerdness and respect others. be thankful and not arrogant.
no Logical is that if you became a citizen, you have not put in your dues. My grandparents (3out of 4) imigrated here, and they served in the armed forces. There contribution to this nation, aforded ME the privalage of citizenship. Someone who has just come here does not have generations of comitment to the nation, thus has not earned that privalage.
If your best reason is "Because its the rules..." then you have to do better. If we all followed rules simply "because its the rules" we would still have slavery, prohibition, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paddling in schools, separate bathrooms for whites and blacks, need I go on? The point is we progress, evolve when the rules don't work anymore. Rules are not meant to be written in stone.
I think the paddling in school needs to be brought back.
Paddling–is that what they did to you in your madrassa?
I disagree with you. I believe that naturalized Americans still have the perspective of what the American Dream is all about. They came to America to make a difference by choice, while natural-born citizens sometimes seem to forget what America stands for. I am a natural-born citizen, and if there was a candidate that I supported for president, yet was naturalized, that would not change my opinion of the candidate.
Appreciate your comments, but I really don't think you have a good idea of the feelings of those of us who were born and raised here. We know, probably much more than you, how the American dream is.
Jim. The "American Dream" is for all citizens, naturalized or natural born, to is be free, and be free to pursuit a happiness. That is the "American Dream" I know. Why do you feel you have the right to deny someone else's pursuit of happiness. Don't you think naturalized citizens would be happy if they could have the chance to be president?
What do you mean, they don't "need" to be president?
You've pulled a bait-and-switch here, since nobody – nobody – strictly speaking, "needs" to be president, except in their own egocentric minds.
And looking at the veritable clown college of people we've got running right now, I can state pretty confidently that nary a single one of them "needs" to be president, nor do we "need" any of those natural born citizens to be president.
Given that, why don't we give somebody else a shot?
ALL AMERICANS EXCEPT FOR NATIVE AMERICANS ARE SPAWNS OF TERRIST IMMIGRENTS WHO STOLE THIS LAND AND DIVDED CANADA AND MEXICO FROM THE US SO ANYONE WHOS ANCESTOR IS FROM ACROSS THE OCEAN GET LSOT GO BACK TO YOUR OWN LAND
Why don't you learn how to spell, friend, why?
Although Europeans brought the wheel to America, Native Americans obviously invented the CAPS LOCK key.
LOL. I believe Timothy McVey was a natural born citizen. Wasn't he?
I love how you say that you don't mean to imply that "were" superior and then proceed to further butcher the English language. But you're right. Only 'Mericans born in 'Merica are qualified to be President - comprehensible or no.
My daughter was born outside of the US. She was adopted when she was eight months old and became an American citizen. Would you like to explain to her why she shouldn't be able to be president?
Because she's a woman.
Because she is not a natural born citizen. Sorry...next!!
"...She was adapted when She was Eight Months old...". Case closed. Don't worry about her and mind your own business. You already sold her, for financial benefit.
100% ETHIO,
You should consider learning how to read and transcribe. He never ADAPTED his daughter. And to tell you the truth, you were also ADAPTED because I was your FOTHER. Get a life. An 8 month only child will have no affliations to any country. I see no reason why his/her child should not be President if that child wants to be. Issue with naturalization is the undue influence of another country.
Jayce Chandler, you are a bigot. "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others" – is that it???
A non-U.S. born naturalized citizen should be able to run for a president.
She's probably too ignorant to know which book you are referencing. Better stick with something she knows like 'Guns & Ammo'.
Four legs good, American legs better.
It's spelled we're not 'were'. You may be a native born citizen but you are illiterate. Most naturalized citizens have a better grasp of the language & grammar than you, miss 'were superior'. You are about as ignorant as you are arrogant!
Citizens not born in the country should definitely be able to run for president. Think about it. If 2 citizens born in the United States have a child while visiting Canada or someplace else, that child is disqualified from running for president – even if the child returns to the States in their infancy and lives the remainder of their life here. On the other hand, a citizen that is born in the country and leaves in infancy and lives their life elsewhere can run. Makes no sense to me.
I think the wording is "natural born", John McCain was born in Panama to U.S. Parents – he was deemed 'Natural born". A child born in Canada to two US Citizens might still be able to run, as that child would have eligibility to US Citizen from birth. In that sense the child is natural born.
For my two cents I say let the voters decide, if the voters reject you at the ballot box that's all the rejection you need – US citizens only may apply, of course
My son was born outside the USA while my wife and I were active duty military stationed together overseas. Why shouldn't my son be able to be President. My wife and I were both born in the United States.
Your son is a US citizen. All those born of parents who are US citizens, regardless of birthplace, are US citizens, and therefore eligible. This especially applies to military families. If born on a US installation overseas, he even has a US birth certificate. Didn't you even check?
Jayce; you are very shallow, you also need to work on your English language.
I think you are right I was a resident alient for many years with a good health I could have been a great president but I never bought in that 1% control 99% and that 99% voted for the 1% or 5% was beyond me. Unless you are drilled by the American machine from the get go, chances are you won't totally buy in. Yes Jayce you are right someone from outside will ask too many questions and will likely be too liberal. Too bad you missed the best (me) it is a joke !!!
This country has had George W. Bush as President. And Dan Quayle got within one heartbeat away from the Presidency. I don't imagine a naturalized citizen could be any worse.
Why did Zakaria bring this up? Does he want the law changed so that Obama can stay president when his real birth certificate shows up?????? Just a thought!
Not every person who is not naturalized was born in the United States. There are plenty of people born overseas that are non-naturalized US Citizens. If you look at who is serving now, all those non-naturalized citizens are messing up the country. Look at the economy. There are some that even are terrorists to this country, like Timothy McVey, who were born in the US.
This type of thought process means you believe that if you are not born here you are not worthy. Well, I have news for every citizen born in America. Unless you are Native American, your ancestor came from else where in the world and therefore so did you.
i agree but there should be a strong law that handles over the issue ....and the guy probably went to that postion ..should know american system,american accent.,dream,,motive,religion .totally americanaized..!!! till other wise america belong to nothing we cant say bringing , born right s as far as the law matters ,..is nothing the law justifies and approves all human being is equall..!!!!
These comments are interesting. There are so many scenarios in which you might rethink your position. If one of our great American minds was studying at Oxford and his wife (also an American citizen) goes in to labor prematurely (in the UK) and gives birth to the world's most brilliant human, you would preclude this American citizen from leading our country? Simply because of where he was delivered? Children born or adopted abroad to American diplomats?
The world is a small place. Citizenship matters. Birthplace is arbitrary.
I agree with you! i am a naturalized U.S. citizen and I would not want to be president because i feel you have only earned that right by birth. I love this great nation and I am defending it right now in its armed forces. may God bless and protect America always...by the way i don't here this topic from other countries who allowed natural born U.S. citizens to become citizens of other countries. America is great, but this is one topic we ought to respect and leave it as is because it's a natural order...lets respect and love America dam it!
The qualified American are the Real Natives of the land, the 'Red INDIANS', ALL OTHERS ARE ALIENS
Fareed for President
Zakaria 2016
Isn't that a bit discrimination against the naturalized citizens. I mean some people have spent their whole entire lives here except for just a few years. Their education/career and family are here. At least they should be given a chance.
Yeah....but your governor can be born elsewhere...how does that affect you differently?
A rule has to have a good reason behind it, and in this case, there is nothing clear about it.
There is no scientific study that can prove that someone who was born in US soil is definitely going to be a better American citizen than someone who came here after being born elsewhere. It's really a matter of age and how long you have lived in the US, not the physical location.
All those arguments have some premise that somehow a naturalized citizen is any less American. What I saw instead was, most immigrants knew about how to be a good American more than born Americans, from civic culture to understanding US history and politics.
So if alexander hamilton was a politician today he could never be president but Anwar_al-Awlaki could? lol
The answer isn't as clear as it might seem. For instance, should a citizen living in the US for 5 years who has been naturalized be allowed to run for president? I would argue "no". Should that same citizen living in the US for the past 35 years be allowed. I would say yes. It takes time and experience to truly understand what it is to be an American.
I agree. US citizens have to be at least 35 years of age. That means they were US citizens for at least 35 years. The requirement should be the same for naturalized citizens.
Agree.though I think 35 yrs is a little too much. If someone comes here as an 18yr old and become a citizen five years later another 20 yrs would be enough if he lives here all this time. So you don't get too old like Ron Paul until you could become president
I disagree. If the American people are willing to elect a person who they KNOW has been a citizen for only a short time, then it should be allowed. Every citizen should have the chance to run for president– it is the people's choice who to pick, after all.
O
Yes. No discrimination, naturalized citizens are not second class citizens. Of course there should be a required time just like for run senator it is 9 year. It should be like 20.
There IS a required time, in addition to your birthplace. In order to run, you have to have been living in the country for at least fourteen years.
But what's the value of someone being born on U.S. Soil over someone that's naturalized if they grew up here and were educated here? I think defies the very fiber of this country e pluribus unum...from one many...we are a collective nation of many nations...I think we limit our potential with this antiquated law...
It's "From Many, One" you know... You shouldn't twist Latin, you may end up rewriting history.
If such ppl like George w bush can be president i'm sure we can find talented ppl with a good vision who happened to born outside of the country but r now committed citizens who loves this great country. God bless America and I hope we'll find a good leader who can help us get out of the mess were in now, and I don't care where this person was born if he's a true American. This is an immigrant society anyway.
I don't think being born here should be necessary, but there should be other requirements. One should have an IQ above average, and the width of your foot should be 50% larger than the width of your mouth. Those requirements would have eliminated the worst presidents, and our nation would now be out of debt and in peace. Oh... I also think there should be some musical ability, like proficiency with the saxophone, or an ability to sing Al Green songs.
Not that I am against the idea of a naturalized citizen running for President, but I can totally sympathize with those who oppose it. I live in a country where a foreign-born lady is inches from claiming the Prime Minister's post, but will not do so, owing to the fear of a public backlash resulting in a loss of hard-earned support from all quarters. A naturalized citizen must truly be accepted by the entire national population as a true representative of the country, and that is an extremely tough prospect indeed.
Well yeah the thing is that the nation will decide it anyway whether someone is eligible for become president or not. But every citizen should have the right to try it and run. !!!!
Remember that in Australia the Prime Minister was not born in Australia but in Wales. Her Welsh roots can be seen in much of what she does. For example Welsh sheep farming has just overtaken Australian in terms of exports. Wales now exports more coal to China than Australia. Be very very careful about foreign born people.
Are you serious??! Foreign born and naturalized citizens sometimes love this county far more than those tho were born here n just take it for granted n doesn't feel any passion. But those who fought to come here and worked hard and become citizens knows exactly what it mean to be an American citizen.btw this is an immigrant society guess what your ancestors just immigrated here too.
And this example is silly. hey, we've got George w bush and HE WAS BORN IN THE USA, A FIRST CLASS AMERICAN CITIZEN but guess what happened with the county.nothing good.
And when the Chinese surpasses america you can't blame it on the presidents Chinese
Why not? The three Republicans(Mitt Romney, Rick Santorun and Newt Gingrich) are a national disgrace with all their warmongering and lack of concern for the average citizen! Hugo Chavez himself would do a far better job than all three of them put together!!!
So true. Not to mention the bush family....
Wow
I know brother. With so many native born americans now becoming total sorryazz excuses for citizens, our country is fkd. It was nice while it lasted.
I am sure only a handful of Romans noticed their empire going down the tubes from allowing too many foreigners a say in the way things are done.
No big though, some other stronger smarter nation will take the reins of power away from us, as we deserve, and then they can deal with all the btchin and moaning of second class (non) citizens.
BTW, can any of you tell how much I fkn hate foreigners and wish they weren't in America. Just because this was a land of immigrants doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We are the only country on the planet that allows its dominant culture to be subverted from within.
Way to go America. We will sooner rather than later become a third world nation. Thank you hippies especially, you liberal white pieces of sht. Just give it all away. FKRS>
Hugo Chavez, are you kidding me.... great example. Why not cite a few third world dictators from the muslim world, or some of those fine example from france..... Yes , our current crop are a joke, but let's not get stupid..... oops too late for a person who post as one of the most over rate , ego centric military leaders of the 20th century.
This disbarring of naturalized Americans from native born ones(much like the Act of Settlement of 1701 which bans the UK Monarch or his/her consort from either being a Roman Catholic or married to one) is outdated to my mind and seems to serve no purpose(it may have had a valid reason two or more centuries ago)
Rright.it makes naturalized Americans second-class citizens and that's not right on the land of the free and in an immigrant society.
To my knowledge, British and German prime ministers' have never been born outside their respective countries.
I don't see a compelling need to change the law. Most native born Americans have links to other nations through their parents and grandparents–not that their is anything wrong with that.
matt, Adolph Hitler was born in Austria and became Chancellor of Germany which is equal to a Prime Minister.
Hitler… a good example why foreign born citizens should not be allowed to run for POTUS.
not a barrier though and I think Disraeli was born outside the UK. Anyone, Subject or Citizen can be voted in as an MP, the only requirement is the oath to the crown, any MP can be selected leader of their party and therefore any person sitting as an MP can be appointed PM
Thinking about it technically the Duke of Wellington was born in Ireland before the act of union, however he was only PM after the Act of Union joined the two nations.
basicly.. id say the reason they had it that way is so someone couldn't be elected that would try and tie the U.S closer to some other country. so they wouldn't 'take control' of the country and america would have to be the president's 'birth country's b1%ch. so basicly it sounds like that law was based off of fear. but there was a lot of wars back then so it probably had its use back then but idk bout now i guess. french and indian, american independence, war of 1812, U.S-spanish war, U.S-mexico. if you get my point...
If that is the case, then anyone who is married to a foreigner should not be allowed to be president. Also anyone who ways they are "African" American, "Asian" American, "Filipino" American, "Sweedish" American, "Hispanic" American should not be president also. Your logic is so flawed it makes me laugh. No wonder America is at the same point the Roman Empire was right before it fell.
Not only they should be able to run for president, I think they will eventually be ble to. I want to know why U.S. passports should say what country you are born in. It quickly opens the door to profiling. I'm an Iranian American in my sixties and have lived in America since 1971. Been a U.S. citizen longer than I was a citizen of my birth place, and yet last year, Feb. first, while returning from a long flight from Tokyo, I was practically detained, unlawfully by an ill trained, zealous custom officer at Atlanta. I know better, before retiring, I worked for 32 years at the port of Miami, been background check, had a port badge, finger printed, interviewed and investigated by homeland security office like all port employees, I'm very familiar with customs procedures. BTW, this was not the first time that I was scrutinized on my return to U.S. We must also remove this discriminatory item from all U.S. passports.
Terrible event. I agree with you. I am a Naturalized citizen, born in the Philippines. However I only lived there for 5 years before being naturalized in the US. I'm over 40 now and have served faithfully with 20 years retirement from the Army. I can tell you I would make a better president than someone born in this country who dodges the "draft" and shrinks away from responsibilities (i.e. President Bush). I am someone who tells it as it is and have been labelled "Black/White" because I truly believe something is one way or its not. Even the current president isn't a retired vet. Why shouldn't I have the right to be president?
Fareed 2016!
Hillary Clinton 2016!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes. Suppose we have two citizens. Citizen A was born in the US and lived overseas from 2-35 years old. Citizen B was born overseas and lived in American from 2-35 years old. Citizen B should not be the one disbarred from being president. A law requiring candidates to have lived in the US for X consecutive years would make more sense, but let's be realistic: even without such a law, US citizens would not elect a candidate who they feel has spent too long outside the US. It would be campaign suicide, no laws necessary.
Terrible Logic. I am tired of hearing people categorize Americans. All citizens, whether naturalized or natural born, are Americans. Why does one American feel they have the right to deny another American of a dream. I am a naturalized citizen of the Philippines. Was naturalized when I was 5. I fought to defend all the rights of all Americans, natural born and naturalized, for 20 years. And I feel ashamed at our country for thinking in this way. I hate people who say they are "Filipino" American, "African" American, "Asian" American, "French" Amercian, etc. There are no such things! You either are American or your are not. And if you are not, get the heck out of my country as you do nothing but use our resources and raise my taxes to pay for your illegal ways.
Naturalized US citizens would then be sort of "third class" citizens because there is another group: Those US citizens born in US territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands. If I am correct, these citizens cannot become president of the US either. It does not matter if they have lived most of their lives in New York or Florida; if they were born in the US territories, despite having held a US passport since birth, they still cannot run for the presidency. This would be the "second class". Foreign-born citizens would be the third one.
no not true. Persons born in U.S. territories are U.S. citizens. –ex. McCain born in the U.S. Panama Canal Zone.
fun fact: Australian prime minister is foreign born, so is the leading opposition leader.
yes y not. Naturalized citizens r as much loyal to US as other natives are .they can lead this position.
I am reminded of what happened when an Austrian was elected head-of-state in Germany.
Well he was a committed german who undoubtedly loved his country sooo much. But he went crazy...that doesn't mean that is the case with everyone who happened to born outside of the country.
Can you please explain how his national origin played into his policies as leader of Germany?
We need a gay president
the United States is not the only country in the amercas that makes this distintion, Paraguay make it too! and other countries too
Perhaps the concept of what it means to be American and the idea of nationalism must in the coming century be reconsidered. The European Union is an example of nations bonding together to form something greater than themselves. This may be a catalyst for what is to come, for what may be inevitable. Why not give serious thought to the benefits of joining with them? To do so, America must first give up the need to be in control.
How about if you elected them and America get in conflict with their country of origin? Do you think it will be easy for them to overlook their origin?
It was easy for Henry Kissinger-for example
This provision is in place to prevent a person from having a split loyalty. To which country would the naturalized citizen owe his/her alllegiance? A president should not have a reason to hesitate.
No way. Not all naturalized Americans are bad citizen but allowing naturalized Americans to run for high office in the government is the same as opening doors for foreign agents to infiltrate the States unchecked. NO WAY.
I'm with you. NO WAY! ! ! ! ! !
All other federal offices ARE open to naturalized citizens already.......
I am a naturalized American citizen who is running for President. See http://www.abdulhassanforpresident.com
Wake up everyone!!! We already have a Naturalized Citizen as President!!!
Seriously!!! Let's put jokes aside...
Mr. Zakaria says "I think they should for one very simple reason: I was born outside the United States."
I am a naturalized citizen too, and OPPOSE this, purely b 'coz that will facilitate people who hate America like Mr.Zakaria can one day to become president.
I'll have no problem with it...just as soon as you allow us to built a Cathedral in Mecca, enforce the death penalty and include drug dealers and child molesters, and stop funding countries who hate us with billions of dollars. How about that?
Mr. Zakaria wants to provide an opportunity for these PATRIOTIC Americans to be the COMMANDER IN CHIEF !!!!!
Anwar Al-Alwaki
Faisal Shahzad
Ft.Hood Killer – Nidal Hassan
Jose Padillo
Jihad Jane
John Walker Lindh, and ofcourse
Mr.Zakaria himself – who famously said “THE DANGER COMES FROM US and NOT FROM THEM” ref: 9/11 & Aftermath Sept 11, 2011 CNN GPS
"Terror Comes Home" – Newsweek
May 19, 2010 8:00 PM EDT
At least 25 American citizens have faced serious terrorism offenses in the past 18 months (ALONE!), a pattern that has counterintelligence officials concerned.
I am a permanent resident of the US, born and brought up in India. But, I disagree with Fareed on this one. US is one of the most generous countries when it comes to naturalization. It will be possible for me to attain US citizenship in a few years, should I choose to. However, my connection with India would be hard to take out of me. It will be comforting for the US people to know that no matter how high I rise politically in the US, there will be a person with presumably greater political authority whose loyalty will be harder to question than mine in case of a point of contention between the two countries.
On the same note, I do not think that a naturalized citizen should be eligible to be the Prime Minister of India. Case in point, Sonia Gandhi aka Antonia Maino, originally from Italy, should forever remain debarred from being the PM of India. Her son Rahul Gandhi aka Raul Vinci, no matter how much dumb or intelligent, was born in India and should be eligible for the PM post, and subjected to the same scrutiny and electoral criteria as other born-Indian citizens.
I have nothing against people born elsewhere that come here and become a citizen. I think in many ways these people are perhaps better citizens becasue they had to work to be part of the system. Nonetheless,I think that the president of the US should be someone that is born a citizen of the US. It is probably more a case of wanting the President to be representative of our culture more than anyting else. Citizens born elsewhere can often bring with them the culture of their origins and while this is laudable in general, I would rather that the leader of the US be one that belongs to the distinct US culture.
Some modification , though, needs to be made to change the definition of a natural born citizen. While I still accept that anyone born within the US and its territories should be considered a citizen, those born to US citizens while outside the US should also be considered natural born citzens for the purposes of the presidency. By making this change, we can easily eliminate the crazies like the birthers who waste everyone's time and money just to distract from the work that needs to be done in this country.
Like the rest of the foreigners, if you don't like it – GET OUT!!!
Fascinating response. So if YOU don't like something, are YOU going to get out? Or are you going to work to change it?
I think they can be president, but only if this information was given before the candidate ran for office. If the laws had to be changed then so be it. If a candidate lied, lets say, to hold the office, then that person committed a crime and should be held accountable.
If it were a crime to lie while running for office, we would have no politicians left to run for office, including those now running for president.
I once heard an immigrant from England, when he was being gently teased about his origins, say "I chose this country, I'm not the result of an accident in the backseat of a '57 Chevy. He had a point.
The US should allow naturalized citizens to be President, just like every other civilized country lets their citizens become elected Heads of Government (some have a figurehead Monarch as Head of State for ceremonies, like Denmark, UK, Canada, Sweden, but the power is in the elected official).
President Rupert Murdoch. Egads.... I can't even fathom it.
i think it makes sense to exclude them because in most cases it is people simply seeking dual citizenship, and then the question of loyalty comes into play, you can't allow someone to be commander & chief if they possibly have alliances to their home country, how would you feel about some british dude running for president of the usa or even better what about the nj nets owner, seems like the queen's agenda would come into play or even worse the sickle & anvil
I'm age biased. If someone was born outside the US but becomes naturalized before age 10, I personally feel 'safe'. I know it is silly and prejudiced, but the thought of anyone over the age of 15 becoming naturalized and then president freaks me out. On the other hand do foreign students/workers who give birth here have babies that are automatically US citizens (whose families can then say go back to their home country, raise the child and the child come to US later). I guess I'm really time biased and age biased? You have to be living in the US naturalized or from birth, from at least age 10. I would have no problem with say an infant who was born in China, adopted by US family as a toddler, and raised in US being president and right now that child can't be a US president. Age and time.
Have you see the PALESTINIAN KIDS VIDEOS? Just do a google videos check.
I don't at all blame those kids though, they are afterall kids.
What if parents of such kids (many of whom are already here!) GROOM THEIR KIDS TO BE PRES.?
Zakaria is a perfect example of why it's a bad idea. It's pretty obvious his loyalties are divided.
At least he took a break from his barrage of articles on why Iran should have the bomb.
Looks like Mr. Zakaria has raised his ambitions higher if not immediately but 20 yrs. from now (given taht he's still young!).
Incidentally, way back in 2004 a web site appeared out of no-where urging the next US pres. to appoint Mr. ZAKARIA as the NEXT US. SECRETARY OF STATE.
This goes a STEP FURTHER!!!
Have we ever had a Swedish-American president? If we did, did he remain in his closet?
I guess I didn't understand the birth thing. I thought Obama was being questioned by birthers because his mother was a foreign combined with possible birth outside US. Seriously if my pregnant co-worker who travels on business every month to Belize but can trace her roots back to slavery times her in the States has her baby early in Belize the baby would not be able to run for president? That I would change: a child of US (including Naturalized US citizen) who is their birth/adoptive parent(s) should be able to run. I still have issues with age though; it bugs me that an adopted 15 year old from anywhere (even Canada say) would be able to be US president.
Mr. Zakaria is trying to make a case for Obama. Evidently more information about Obama's birth certificate will be coming out soon.
I have adopted a child from overseas. This is the only country he has ever known. At 18 he will be required to register for selective service and potentially give his life for this country. How can we ask someone to potentially give EVERYTHING and yet deny them their inalienable rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness)???
To compound the issue, I have a biological child. Try explaining why she can be president and my son can't.
Let voters decide who is fit for president. It's not about where your from, what you say, how you believe, but rather WHAT YO DO that defines you.
Nothing is more important than the SECURITY of the GREATEST NATION ON EARTH – AMERICA, simply b'coz to a very great extent the entire FREE WORLD's SECURITY depends on us.
Being a NATURALIZED CITIZEN myself, I am more than willing to give up my right to be Pres.(!!), just as I am more than willing to subject myself for EXTRA CHECKS at a/ps.!
Gene Simmons? In March 2011, Simmons visited Israel, where he was born. He talked about how he still feels that he is an Israeli: "I'm Israeli. I'm a stranger in America. I'm an outsider". You need better research Fareed.
I actually STRONGLY AGREE with you.
I am a naturalized Indian -American, but quite honestly my loyalties are divided between my former homeland India and my current homeland America. I LOVE BOTH COUNTRIES EQUALLY......which actually makes me UNFIT to be a US Pres.
What if there is a confrontation between India & America? God willing that will never happen, b'coz we are two of the greatest democracies in the world and both our DOMINANT religions Hinduism and Christianity PREACH TOLERANCE at its core !
No way. Loyalty to which country is always an issue with foreigners.
My wife is a naturalized citizen. I agree naturalized citizens should be allowed to run for president. But there is something you may not know. Naturalized citizens can have their citizenship taken away. An example of this would be crime on a "Madoff level", or defrauding US companies...I believe there was an incident regarding Cisco and some Chinese company a couple years ago. US born citizens can never have their citizenship taken away.
Not true, Marc. There is no difference with respect to taking away the citizenship between U.S. born and naturalized citizens.
Hey Dave,
You are correct... Both can be taken away. http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov/loss_of_citizenship.html
Absolutely NO. Imagine an American Jew or an American Muslim as president. Are you kidding me and the whole world? If the US were a third world country I wouldn't care at all, but it is the most power country in the planet. Most of the presidents of this nation were or are stupid enough so you want to ad to that a fanatic Jew or a fanatic Muslim? Think about that.
What about a fanatic Christian? Why isn't that a cause for concern?
Please first count who has killed most of the human beings in last 100 years.USA, Germany and England are not Muslim.Sir Adolf Hitler was also a christian.
we basically have an american muslim as a president right now, lol
A person born in the US whose parents then left immediately the country and who didn't return until they were 35 is eligible to be president but someone who was born in (say) Canada and whose US citizen parents then return the next day to the US and who has lived here their entire life is not eligible. This is why hard rules like this are stupid.
I realize that the dumbing-down of America has been going full tilt for quite a while now, but there should still be one or two people born in this country who may have enough brains left to run the country... (of course, seeing the shenanigans of the current crop of politicians is making me rethink this...)
no they should not be, that little clause was put in place because of the fear of having loyalty to their birth country or having favoritism to their birth country, it doesnt matter in other jobs as much because the president is the top public figure of this country.
I am not opposed to the idea as this is a Country built on Immigrants. There is nothing wrong in changing the rules if it bring progress to the country's citizens. If we follow all rules just because they are rules, we would still have Slavery and rights for women to vote! However, i do agree there has to be set guidelines to guarantee the Candidate is committed to this Country, like has to reside for 20 years and/or Military Service. I agree someone who has been living here for 5-10 years will have a different outlook as opposed to someone who has lived for more than 20 years.
Looks like Mr. Zakaria has raised his ambitions higher if not immediately but 20 yrs. from now (given taht he's still young!).
Incidentally, way back in 2004 a web site appeared out of no-where urging the next US pres. to appoint Mr. ZAKARIA as the NEXT US. SECRETARY OF STATE.
This goes a STEP FURTHER!!!!
No , No , and No again. Because we have already ignored our immigration laws, and given amnesty to millions, we have pretty much allowed our country to be taken over by foreign nationals. If they had done this at gunpoint , we would have called it "war".
The idea that an illegal , once given amnesty could become President would only make the abdication of control of our nation complete. Why don't we just give the country to Mexico, El Slavador, and the rest of South America.
agreed
Honestly if we go with Mr.Zakaria's advise.
AMERICA MAY SWITCH SIDES ON THE WAR ON TERROR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fareed, I don't know if the country is ready for an Indian-American president, but I wish you well on your quest!
It's alright! We "naturalized citizens" will never held the office of the President of the United States, but our children will, and along our ideas, whether radical, religious, orthodox, etc.. The time will come and change will happen. Some worry about radicalism, but current politicians are there for personal gain ONLY. Name one that is not and if that is not radicalism, what is it? Campaing money is getting tough to get, so what prevents your future "American Born" presidents to take money from foreigners, like the richest man in the world, Mr. Sim, a Mexican with a lot of dough or the drug cartels. America is for sale, don't believe me, look at the Republican Party drowning in money just to get a black out of the office. Now that is sad and pitiful, and worse those that believe in ousting him baselessly. LOL
NO, NO, NO!
And I'll go you one farther. You must serve in the Armed services honorably for a minimun of 3 years, be current on taxes and have voted and participated as a citizen before you can even be considered for an elective office. Being born somewhere isn't enough to prove you are a citizen.
I agree
My son was born in Canada, came to the US when he was 11 months old and has been an US citizen since he was 10. He laughs when someone calls him a Canuck. Not that I wish for him, and not that he wants to, but I see no reason he is denied the opprotunity from being President.
Would be a waste of time. With the exception of Obama, we have refused to put a non-white male in the WH. We won't even put a woman in office. I just can't see America even considering a naturalized citizen in office.
It exists to avoid a conflict of interest. There is a reason. The very top office in the country should foster no allegiance to another nation. Sorry if it offends some, but it is a necessary requirement.
It's pretty clear why we have this particular rule. We wanted to make it harder for some foreign force to install one of its own people as president. President has to be native-born US citizen, have to be 35 years old.
AND lived in the US for 14 yrs.
Perhaps Madeline Albright should not have been Secretary of State. She was born in Czechoslovakia, and the Secretary of State is fourth in line to the presidency.
Its to protect the sovereignty of the United States...Some foreign power gets someone with the public likeability into the White House and it really is all over. We've seen from the past presidencies that we as the people can't stop our rights from being infringed upon with natural born presidents. If an outsider gets in, his policies will be passed simply because or society is so stuck on partisan politics, that whatever part he or she belongs to will vote for whatever the individual calls for simply to anger the other party.
Keep it as we currently have it, sorry but if you weren't born here, your SOL. Ask science or god (whatever you believe in) to create you within US borders next time around.
The Natural Born Requirement has been trumped by the equal protection guarantee of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments and by the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment – see http://www.abdulhassanforpresident.com
I was born in a foreign country, migrated very young to the US (in fact when I was 8 months), i've served in two wars, I've dedicated my life to help others in the health field, I pay my taxes, have no criminal records. I've never been outside the US other than my military experience, in fact, I've never been to the country I where I was born. The very laws that I have defended prevent me from being President of the US. That is a sad story.
So the highest elected office in the land has special requirements. I do not have a problem with that. Additional special requirements include being a millionaire with rich and powerful friends, selling your soul, and not taking any stand on any issue that could offend any potential voter.
Incredibly short-sighted and not at all well thought through.
It's not a question of qualifications but ensuring that the leader of this country is as loyal as possible to the interests of the US. As others have rightly pointed out, loosening the requirement to include naturalized citizens significantly raises the risk that a future president be faced with choosing to do what is right for this country vs his/her home country, and not just in times of war, but as it relates to trade, foreign policy, etc. At least a natural born citizen has not likely had an allegiance to another sovereign nation. As nice and 'politically correct' it would seem to allow naturalized citizens to be President, the risk to our national security and sovereign would be too great.
If you understand the concept of MARKET RESEARCH you will understand the probable INTENT of Mr. Zakaria in writing this article.
Here are the steps that companies overtly & covertly adopt before introducing a product/service.
a) FLOAT the idea around to gauge public reaction
b) ENLIST influential people/organizations to PROPAGATE the idea.
c) INTRODUCE the product/service – And, depending on their OVERALL INTENT
d) If necessary introduce the product IN PARALLEL to what is already existing in the market, or
e) KNOCK OFF existing ones to TAKE OVER the market.
NOW APPLY THE SAME CONCEPT TO MR. ZAKARIA’S WELL OILED AGENDA:
Part of the reason why the founding fathers limited the office of president to native born citizens was to prevent some rich foreign aristocrat coming into the country and using his wealth and position to gain access to the highest office in the land. I am not so sure we still need to worry about that. We have our own native born aristocrats who control most high offices in this land.
If naturalized citizens are allowed to become President, we could wind up with George Soros as president. I can think of no better reason to keep things as they are now than the prospect of Soros winning – or, with his money, purchasing is more likely – the Presidency.
OK. Lets nominate George Soros (non-natural) and Bernard Madoff (natural) and lets take a vote.
No
Naturalized citizens should not be allowed to hold the office of President. Naturalized citizens come from someplace outside the USA and may harbor certain allegiances that may distort their perspective given a crises situation. The office of President is our most important leadership position and we can't take a chance for a conflict of interest.
The purpose of this law was to prevent infiltration at the highest level by our enemies. It was designed to keep the British from retaking control of us after we fought so hard for our freedom. Only someone born here in the colonies could truly understand the plight of the American colonists. This is still a valid reason. I would imagine that if this law was reversed, Al Qaeda, North Korea, or some other foreign enemy would do everything possible to get their guy into this position, declare martial law, take control of the military, and enslave us.
Yes we had two at the white House before President Obama came in. Yes they were citizens. wow. Enough said or you want me to continue?
REMEMBER SUMMER OF 2008 WHEN GAS PRICE WAS OVER $ 4.00? THIS WAS WHEN Mr Bush gave us a tax return just before he left office. Does any person in their right mind think that a person making minimum wage spent that money on food or other basic needs? NO, instead, BUSH, CHENEY AND THEIR OIL CROONIES (OH, ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS),not only plundered THE CITIZENS, NON-CITIZENS AND ILLEGALS, BUT THE NATIONAL TREASURY AS WELL. Don't get me started with the WAR and other issues we had with these two fellows who are enjoying free Health Care and security at the tax payors expense. THANK GOD WE HAVE A MAN WHO HAD THE GUTS TO FIGHT ALL ODDS AGAINST HIM TO GET FINALLY A HEALTH CARE REFORM INTO LAW. TO ALL WHO CALL THIS OBAMACARE, YOU DONT HAVE THE BALLS ANYWHERE NEAR WHERE THIS MAN HAS. THIS IS REAL AMERI-CARE AT ITS BEST. OH, BY THE WAY I DO NOT SEE ANY RIOTS IN CANADA OR THE UK BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE UNHAPPY WITH THEIR HEALTHCARE. STOP PLAYING ON THE INTELLIGENCE OF NON-CITIZENS !!
Amen Brother!!
Remember Alejandrina Cabrera? Now imagine a president that didn't speak English.
Why not? In every aristrocratic family is at least one idiot – people from outside bring fresh air, puritism is absolutely odd. Native and this exclusive rights for only a few members sounds like triblism and narrow national thinking. The soil on which you are born gives you the right feelings and thoughts for becomming president – hahaha! What makes a president to be american? What do you do if somebody is born exactly between american and canadian borders?
Are native-born Americans better than naturalized Americans?
Sadly for our country, the majority Republican answer to this question is Yes.
Yes, because in their view, naturalized citizens are not citizens at all.
This ignorant, cowardly fear and hatred of anything and anyone who is different
is tearing our nation apart and making us unable to complete with countries that
have learned from our past good example and left this baggage of intolerance behind.
..your argument hurts the president more than it helps him! ...embarassing!
ONLY in your mind that republicans don't consider not native born citizens.
OF COURSE they do. I am not republican or anything but this is a dirty lie trying to push for some insane point.
It is that simple. Foreigners like zacharia cannot be president and the congress will ever allow. Go back to India! I myself NOT a native born and I do consider native born here "BETTER" on this particular issue. This endless whinning of "equality" at all costs violate peoples boundaries, culture, merit and honor.
This guy from India is going too far. Maybe he would be more useful on his country where a mililon and a half DIE for drinking SOUR. get a life.
I am thankful that I am citizen now and I have a deep respect for my adopted Mother Nation. But no wish washy talk or msnbc nutjobs will change the fact that I don't have the blood. I am adopted. That makes me angry this kind of people like zacharia and you. No respect for other, selfishness and self-centerdness. YOU is all that matters. right?
I've always admired the Brits, and I plan on going there one day. But I cannot move to England and become the next King of the England. I think America needs to have SOME type of exclusivity that other nations retain. I don't see any other country changing their rules to where naturalized citizens can run for high office, so why should we?
Actually you raise an interesting point.
As a matter of fact, virtually ANY European monarchy always have either its king or queen a FOREIGNER. This comes from the typical law that in order to became a king (queen) one must not just a successor of a royal family, but also be married to someone from a royal family. Because there is only one royal family in each country, the second requirement mean to be married to a foreigner.
The current King of Britain is a Greek Prince, if I remember it correctly.
dude... the king haha actually queen of britain does not hold any political power!!!!!
not only should they not be president, they should be deported
I was adopted as a baby, and found out when I was five that due to being born outside of the US, I could never be president. I was devastated by this. How does being born in the US make you any more qualified? A great many Americans were not born here, but nonetheless are loyal citizens and want what's best for their country. However, we seem to be perpetually second-class citizens, Loyalty to this country cannot be measured by whether you were born in it. Perhaps those of us who have had to work to get and stay here and constantly have to prove our legal right to be here have a special loyalty, also? Guess what, native-born Americans. Unless you're 100% Native American, your parents were once naturalized citizens too.
OK, so someone born in some enemy state of the USA comes over here at age 40, becomes a citizen 5 years later (3 with green card) and miraculously wins the presidency? Plus, you only would have had to live here 2 1/2 out of the 5 years to qualify.
Naturalized citizens for president? I think not!
Oh, please, Fareed… Come on! Cut it out. You are going to run for president, are you?
I say No! A naturalized citizen cannot be a president of U.S. because of “The Cultural Educational Formative Primal Years of an Infant then Adolescent”. It is extremely crucial that a real sense of Americanism be internalized as a footprint that will bring positive consequences for the country later on in life. Just look at Obama: he was seventeen when he was first brought back to U.S. He already had been marinated in Hawaiian liberal-culture (more preoccupied about their own Hawaiian affairs). Then, he was double marinated in Asian-culture, living with and Asian’s stepfather who happened to be a non Christian; and then the absent of the senior-Obama’s father who also was politically radical, -not to mention that Obama was educated and surrounded by staunch radical-Marxists collegiate mentors… including his dissented American mom… Now, you tell me what do you have in the White House: a genuine American born foot printed with real Americanism or just a naturalized-foreign-American but foot printed with something else?
John doe- again... just because Fareed (even if) runs for President does not mean he will become the President!!!
u r right!
people like yourself will not vote for a non-christian or even a woman ( no wonder we dont have a woman president yet in all these centuries)
but that does not stop women from being able to run for office right!!!!
So your complaint is that anyone who is non-Christian or ethnically Asian can't be truly American? B-I-G-O-T.
Hell no. It was bad enough having George Bush as President.
I don"t think Bush was born in Africa.
I agree, naturalized citizen in no less of an American – but if this were to be amended, then we would have to distinguish the difference between someone who has live here for two year vs. someone who has lived here since they were three months old. Both parties could be valid candidates and potentially great Presidents, but there would have to be a line somewhere. The next debate would be what's the difference between four years and twelve years? Are people who have been Americans for twelve years better than people who have been Americans for four years ? ...
The line is actually easy: presidents are not coming from nowhere, but rather serve before as politicians, state governors, etc. So at the point when someone tries to became president his loyalty and views become well established.
The whole story about Obama's birth certificate looks like a childish game: it should be completely irrelevant, given that Obama is not a child right now, and what he was been doing since his childhood is known.
Another childish game is the aparent exclusion of children of US diplomats if born outside US. Technicality, oops.
I agree completely. Jess- there is no need to distinguish citizens via law. the public will decide via votes on an individual basis.
I dont think we will vote for someone who is from saudi arabia, just became a citizen 1 year ago via marriage for example and has a dubious background!!!!
let them run!!! first its unlikely any party will give them a ticket/ the US public would elect such a person in office.
but ......a citizen should be allowed to run for office!!! whats wrong with that?
** naturalized citizens are no less of Americans
oh great. Zachariah wants to be president now too. Keep dreamin, buddy, keep dreamin!
Please Farid find another country or perhpas your original country go back there and be all you can be.
This is a very deep issue to contain, but look at this example. A naturalized citizen become presidents, and that president have to make a very Big decisions against his native land, how will this play out?
So for the benefit of All let it be the way it is.
Oskar, unless you are a native american indian- u can do the same! go back to europe- they do have a better quality of life and education than US anyway. Go back to where u came from- unless u dont know where u came from.... which is possible as US population is mostly unaware of history , geography....get government out of my medicare type thinkers.
Lets not be emotional and look at this from a logical point.....will a Jewish President take USA to an unnecessary war for Israel more than a non-jewish,, would an african american President spend more resources than we can afford in Africa? ...would a woman President definitely pass policies unfairly skewed towards women? so why would a naturalized citizen President absolutely support his native country ( which he/she might never even gone back to) above USA?
what logic is this.. and does the President really have this absolute power?
If its legalized Will YOU PROMISE TO RUN?
Fareed Zakaria is a Obama supporter- he has been a guest of the President, a supporter of his and advisor.
Let face facts about most Washington and NY reporters- they can't understand Republicans, republican supporters or agree with issues that matter to them. Its the same old story- the talking head on CNN are alomst all supporters of Obama.
Let investigate the reporters, news readers and talking heads and get this last bit of hidden information out to the publican. After all. the media is the 4th branch of goverment with their power
Zakaria is nothing but a parrot.
A parrot of Obama. He has no business calling himself anything but a parrot. Anyone can do that. A commentator, writer or thinker he is not.
Why not; in average; foreign born are more educated, more innovative, more job creator, more visionary, and more enthusiastic about their adapted country than the natives are. They earned it so they appreciate it more while the natives inherent it and take it for granted
Your remark is a perfect example of why only a natural born american should be allowed to become president. Your views are jaded by your own biased, anti american thinking ideas on whats real and whats true. But you are far from correct.
My boss was born in India. A few years we were discussing this, and he had an interesting viewpoint: if in a war with Inda, if he (or another naturalized president) was at the point of deciding to go nuclear, a naturalized president would have a conflict of interest, and might not do what is best for the US.
So Going to a nuclear war is the best for the US'?! Really I didn't know that...
If someone wants to become pres it doesn't mean he will.ppl decide and of course we wouldn't elect an Indian or Muslim so it's pointless but
Thats a great point David. No person in their right mind would want to Nuke their origin of birth. This is a perfect example of why an American President should be a person born in America.
As an immigrant I agree that its hard to make such decisions. Leave the presidency to american born americans and make it simple.
Very good point. It would put the Naturalized president in a very difficult situation.
Do they actually pay you for this stuff Fareed? ...embarassing!
Why not? Many "NATURALIZED CITIZENS" gave their lives for this country, and for what, just so you "hate mongers" out there can have your "freedom of speech". It's a new world out there, don't like it?, join Newt on the moon!
let them run for the post.
if u suspect their integrity or loyalty- dont vote for them.!!!
running for President is not=becoming one
Gingrich or some such idiot vs a really smart and dedicated man/woman who just happened to be born outside!
u must be kidding.
ARNOLD FOR PRESIDENT!!! THIS GUYS WANTS IT BAD.
Don't spoil the milk. Think who this will benefit?
Arnold would have absolutely, positively no chance of ever gaining the presidency. The debt ridden state of California would come back to haunt him.
Fareed says here that he should be allowed to be president, "I was born outside the United States. I’m only half kidding".
Please. Not only is Zakaria a parrot of Obama (read all of his articles, they clearly all are propaganda), he is also a narcissist.
How does a guy like this make it to this level in the media? It used to be (mid last century) that the news media was unbiased, vetting all candidates equally. Why is it that there is no objectivity? How can one trust anything said?
Of course, sadly, most of the people here on this site are Leftists, understand, this is all feeding their delusions. That's what it has come to, news reporters crying at Obama rally's, like he is God. So a "Fox News" has to be invented. And Rush Limbaugh, a fat narcissist in himself, way over the top and off the deep end, an right wing extremist.
Being an old timer myself, neither Republican or Democrat, I can only respect those who put out objective views. But I don't really see it here, or anywhere anymore. It is sad that it has come to this, there is no credibility in the reporting of news; no objectivity around anywhere in the reporting media.
If you are a Liberal, I guess you can come here and read this stuff and make yourself feel good. and if you are Conservative, go listen to that freak Rush.
I believe that the President should not be affliated to any party, and by doing so should not be allowed to be president. The fear of naturalized citizens of being president is that their loyalty is not to America but there home country. And when I say America I mean all of America to include Democrats, Republicans, and Third Party voters. Why is it illegal for a natrualzied citizen to hold presidencies, but allow someone who is not loyal to all of America? And most presidents are loyal more toward big businesses and supporters than they are to the citizen for whom they work. That's why I think these types of laws, although meant for good intensions, are so wrong.
Naturalized people, like me should NOT become president.
...and I am NOT as american as the born ones. Fareed Zacharia, get a GRIP! you do not LOOK american, you don't have the CULTURE of america and people born here ARE superior on this matter.
The culture of america is: WHITE, PROTESTANT, PLAY BASEBALL, APPLE PIE, ENGLISH, HARD WORK. period.
it is BECAUSE of the Protestants and their philosophy of freedom and tolerance they Nation started to absorb other groups. And please, do not dump the useless argument of "native americans'. They were divided in hundreds of tribes, killing each other and they were CONQUERED. get over it.
Africans were dragged here on slavery because for almost 2000 years they were not considered people but animals. Slavery was seem as fine (funny thing that it is seem fine by african themselves, the only group of humans who use slavery now a days and enslave themselves!!! ).
Maybe Zacharia you would have a better chance if your name was JOHN, DAVID, STEVE, MIKE, BRIAN and some others.....
So anyone who isn't a white Protestant isn't an American? It sounds like you agree with the Founders. My guess is that you also agree with the Founders that black people can't be citizens and women shouldn't be allowed to vote or own property.
YES, native-born Americans are better than naturalized Americans.
And I am NOT a native born.
You are a moron!!!!!! I'm a naturalized citizen too and I won't say that someone just because he was born here is a better person.i'm not less valuable, I made a great career,lot money, raised my family, I love this country, always respected the laws, pay my taxes, doing charity work and helping my community. Btw I speak 4 languages and have a tighter world view. So how exactly someone is more valuable as a human being and better than me???! Born somewhere isn't at all a personal accomplishment so if you were born here you're not great just because of that.period.n
I don't care if you raise your family, if you gave your blood or you jump out of a bridge to prove you "have value". My personal value is an intimate belief that stands regardless to be able to become an american president.
I will tell you ho exactly born americans are better. To become a president belongs to them, not you. Everybody has a nose, two eyes, etc. but there is something called hierarchy, honor, order. You have no right over jumping ahead of a born american. None. If the government want to further increase limitations for naturalized citizens I am all for it. I am not disrespecting those who were here first, because is their home. This is my and yours SECOND home. get a life.
NO, is not what you have done that will change anything.
You are NOT born here. And more: if you are not white, speak english, have a evangelical christian background you are not one of the pilgrims (and don't came with the bs of the native americans because they were killing each other and they conquered; african americans we all love them, but not only in the USA but all across the world they were not considered humans for thousands of years – and they continue enslaving themselves in africa today; and they got their rights just "yesterday"); if you look Hindu, have your reliigon from India and disrespect woman as you all do, you are NOT an american. Maybe you can be a legal citizen. But not at heart. And HEART is the spirit of the law not allowing neigher you or zacharia, the hindu who thinks he "has the right" to be president. Get OVER it.
USA for ever! One Nation Under God
So how exactly someone is more valuable as a human being and better than me???! Born somewhere isn't at all a personal accomplishment so if you were born here you're not great just because of that.period.n
I'm white and protestant and speak English perfectly. I'm coming from Germany not India so i'm a normal human being and an American!!!!!
Are you talking about red Indians.
" nowhere else in America and in no other aspect of American life is there a distinction made between native-born and naturalized Americans." – Not true. I am a naturalized citizen. If a citizen born in the US applies for a student loan, they will be required to show a driver's license as proof. When I applied, they would not even accept my US passport as proof of citizenship. According to Homeland Security, only my naturalization certificate along with a secondary id was acceptable.
In the US, All men are created equal but natural born US citizens are more equal thaan others
NATURAL CITIZENS SHOULD BE PRESIDENT. THIS COUNTRY WERE INDIANS BEFORE EUROPEAN CAME OVER. JUST LOOK AT ALL THE CRIMINALS WHO ARE ARE IN JAIL THAT WAS BORN IN U.S . ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED THE SAME FOR RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.
If "We the people.." ..were truly Free .. there would be no need to pose this question...
Maybe a distinction could be made between naturalized citizens who ONLY hold U.S. citizenship and those who hold dual citizenship. I can't see allowing someone with dual citizenship to be president. But if someone is only a U.S. citizen, that's a first step towards determining if they're "all in" here in the U.S., and have no possibly conflicting allegiances elsewhere.
The concept behind it is whether the naturalized citizen can put the United States ahead of his/her native born country if the need called for it. It cannot be argued that many immigrants will state that their primary loyalty still remains with their native country, but I doubt this would be the case if someone who has made the decision to become president of the United States. Therefore, I do not believe it is a necessary law.
Easy way to answer this topic is to travel around California during the month of May. Right around the 5th to be exact and see how many of these so called hispanic americans really love america. All you will see everywhere is flags honoring Mexico. I sure do not see them same folks flying american flags around on the forth of July. And they want to be our president. Thats a laugh. You see the same thing on folks vehicles all around as well.
Most of the people commenting on this issue are completely misunderstanding the actual spirit behing the regulation. The natural born citizen clause has nothing to do with worth, value or discrimination. It has to do with ties to foreign government. Its a security issue. The idea is, a person has a connection to their place of birth. For a person to be allowed to serve in the most senior position in the US government, we do not want them to have any undue ties of loyalty or affection to other nations.
Its not to say that a person who has immigrated from another country does not have loyalty to America. It is to say that that person also probably feels some understandable bond or affection to their original homeland as well, something we do not want in our chief executives thinkig process.
Really then what about secretary of states like Kissinger or Albright?'!!!
kissinger is an evil man who need to d##
You are absolutely correct about the spirit behind the regulation / law. But there is a big hole in the rationale. What about a person born in the US of US citizens but moves to a foreign country at 3 months and lives there for 15 years before moving back to the US. What if the parents are naturalized US citizens with close family ties in the country where they raised their child for 15 years. Will this child be ineligiblr to run for president?
I am NOT born american and I think NOBODY naturalized citizen should be allow to become president. EVER.
Many people from India or Mexico, full of inferirority complex would love to challenge that law. This is NOT their mother Nation. The Nation adopted them, you. If you are an hindu, have your religion, barely speak english, mistreat women, you are NOT an american at heart. The law exist to protect the land from people whose heart is quite different, wild, weird or whatever than the land. ESPECIALLY people from middle east or India. GET OVER IT.
I am very thankful the USA adopted me and I will continue to provide my Love and strenght for it. My honor and dedication to my adopted father. But I will ever be a legitimate blood son. and no matter how many hindus think they can trump over this basic notion of honor, the Congress will ever imagine to vote sth different than what we have in the books. And I will be on the streets supporting to KEEP the Law the way it IS. No hindu or anybody will make the USA look like their country. A mess.
I would consider voting for President Zakaria in the future! Many naturalized citizens are outstanding Americans!
It's the people like you who are destroying the country with your low IQ and horrible life decisions. Please find the nearest boarder, cross it, and never return to this country again.
i am not born here, i do believe nturalize american should never be allowed to run for president,
Absolutely......a naturalized citizen would make a wonderful president with unmatched international experience and perspective. I am all for it. USA needs to be opened up and therein lies its strength as a nation.
absolutely not. A foreigner naturalized may not an american at heart. Different values, religion, language. How many terrorists were naturalized americans?
hindus like zacharia come from a cultura of hinduism, mistreatment of women and banning english to be spoken at home. This kind of person will EVER be an american.
I am NOT born american and I respect this Nation, its ROOTS, CULTURE, RELIGION and LANGUAGE. Respect is something YOU and zacharia don't have. You think the USA is an open fair, for you to buy whatever vegetable you want and take home. You are NOT an american at heart. You don't respect White people, evangelicals and people who admire and respect women, neither those who play baseball and go to an evangelical CHURCH on Sundays. You think you can "buy" your citizenship. You will EVER be a true american if you always look at your own intereset first. You and zacharia are self absorbed, selfish and should go BACK where you came from (because there you can abuse others and be as selfish as you want, without respecting the collective culture).
don't like it? destroy the capital, the congress, the whole Nation, because Bible verses are all over walls, monuments etc. and NOT the moon idol islam or the multiple "gods" of your india. the fact you pressure to become a president is exactly what the founding fathers were trying to stop. Ungreatful forieigners who thought it could make America sth else. PUt a make up of a 4 world country like india (1 million and a half DYING becaus they drink sour).
Eventually we will find an illegal alien in the White House. Maybe we already have. How do you get this person out of office. I don't think a letter carrier with an eviction notice would work !
If this country is out of money why don't we temporarily stop all immigration into America.
I agree. These people need to work on making their own countries better , but no they would rather illegally come into our country and then shack up with a green card carrier here and live on welfare while working under the table at a job that should be an american citizens in the first place. I see more illegal aliens driving better cars than many honest hard working americans that are trying to do the right thing. The last thing Americans want is some foreigner that knows no meaning of loyalty to their own country –to run our country. What a joke.
The USA is not a supermarket that you come and stop to shop something. Including your citzienship to the highest position on the land. Get over it.
We all know because your hindu, isla or budhism religion freedom is not allow but the evangelical background of this Nation created a system that wouldn't eat itself. Yes, because if you let you inferiority complex people to do whatever and also become president, the USA would be a a bunch of confusion and pieces of craziness coming from overseas.
I am thankful I was adopted by the USA. Period. You! zacharia and all the other low self esteem people: GET A GRIP.
you are NOT an american at heart. You are not WHITE, EVANGELICAL, you dont eat APPLE PIE or play BASEBALL. You? you mistreat women and are muslim or hindu, you speak your own weird language and don't allow anybody speak english at home. GET AAAAA LIFE.
Great points William. Its very sad that in america now days. I laugh at how american companies are always fighting against being portrayed as being racist against Hispanics for example or Muslims for example. These people that can not speak a lick of english hardly want american jobs and refuse to learn our language properly to get a job. If we do not hire them because of this then we are called racist and biased against them. The funny thing is that an american can look in many help wanted ads around the country when they are looking for work. And many of the jobs say you must be bilingual to even be considered for the job position. NOW how freakn racist is that??????????/
Shoot many schools now days require students to take at least 2 years of some foreign language. Now I agree that its not bad to want to learn other languages. IF that is something you desire. But in our own country we should not be required to do such a thing. People should be required to speak understandable english if they even desire to reside in america in the first place. We are the only country with such stupid practices.
Fareed please where were you born and I also want to know your faith. Are you an Arab American?
If US has to remain the most powerful country it has to adopt the globalization even in its political class. This country was founded by people who came from other lands to make themselves a fortune. Its the collection of people who know how to work hard and make a name for themselves. That is what is core to being an American not that one was born here. That is like being a right winger , an extreme version of it was nazisim. In this new world order , to lead with the last century mindset and rules is not a ticket to being the most powerful country. Instead its the ability to adapt to the change and give the Naturalized citizens ( with certain criteria; of time spent like 15-20yrs in US) makes US a more powerful country at its core than shouting slogans of 'I am American and they are not '. Its a land of settlers from abroad and have always attracted talented people , if one looses it , American becomes like just another country and other countries won't hesitate to throw it off from its top position especially since they are already adopting the good learning’s from US.
you are WRONG. A right wing is not worse than a left wing which anything goes. You and the left is another extreme version of nazism, stating that you, foreigner, from a complete different set of values has the right to change this Land and do whatever you want with it. Remember how was back on YOUR home? where your women would be brutally beaten for opening their mouth? or ignored? (india, middle east); remember your religion? (isla, hinduism) full or radicalism, intolerance and violence? NO. If you wasn't born at the USA you don't need to be a president. The founding fathers always knew the danger of that. And the USA is NOT a 'collection" of different people. There were many traits who united and formed one people: WHITE, EVANGELICAL, ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FAMILY VALUES RELATED TO THE BIBLE, HARD WORK, ETHICS, PRIVATE PROPERTY. All people who came here first, england, ireland, wales, australia, dutch, germans, swedish, they all share those values and that's why the laws and the culture are NOT a crazy salad without direction (what you want). I am not born at the USA and I accept, I am greatful for their laws and I respect them. Sorry buddy, I reject your globalization. The USA has not to adopt your dellusion. If that was so, this Nation would be done soon enough. How dare you and zacharia push this issue? you have NO right to do that. Make me angry and desire that you go BACK to the place you came from.
I am naturalized and as an adopted son I respect my father's hous, my father's rule and the rules of the house. I will ever try to steal the legitimate right of any of my father's legitamate sons, because I Love God, hierarchy, honor and respect. I know that doesn't exist for zacharia or you, but the majority of americans still do. Thankfully still stands otherwise this Nation would become a india or another crap of country. Apple pie, evangelical christian church, white folks, hard work, ethics, private property. get OVER it. don't like it? get out!
and do not come with african slavery stuff because wsn't only at the US. It has been, for thousand of years around the globe. Actually slavery is practice today only in AFrica. Widespread. native americans? a bunch of tribes killing each other, full of revenge. And they were conquered. do not, for a second, try to push that the USA is a "collection" of people. Look at just 20, 25 years ago and see if you find these "collection". That is why immigration should be thought carefully. You have people like you coming and try to steal and own what doesn't belong to you. if you don't have respect or honor (sth that you didn't learn on your country) don't try to destroy of others. I am thankful for my citizenship but I am much more american than you at heart. You will likely ever understand that....
BTW, I am also Hindu. Shame on you William Pellegrini for exposing your racist and vile views. Best to you on a future life full of hatred.
Canadian, YOU are the racist here buddy. Who do you think you are to imagine changing the rules of the house??? the rules of a family and house that has been here WAY before you were born?
so, you came from your 4 world country, where a million and a half DIE of drinking sour and want to be president??? get a GRIP. I am not born at the US but I honored and respect the Nation. YOUR habits of mistreating woman and disrespecting authority WILL NOT WORK here.
Shame on you.
Okay you took it too far now; I am not from India or the Middle East (I am American) but you CANNOT just assume that because they show you women "being tortured" on the media, it is true. I have friends AND family members from both countries and that is not the case. Please stop being ignorant and verify your facts before saying them with such confidence.
Naturalized citizens most of the time don't know the real mentality of the people of that country.In addition to the birth, there should be ban on people who got education outside that country where they are becoming president. Many developing countries are not developing only because of this problem
Bush mentality can only be attained by birth.
and obama's mentality only by FRAUD.
Hmm... It's an interesting question. It's interesting to think of Thomas Jefferson as having a personal bias against Alexander Hamilton becoming president – it really humanizes these almost mythic, historical figures. Perhaps, there is a fear that a naturalized citizen could more easily harbor a greater loyalty for their country of origin – that they could be acting against the best interest of our nation. However, I think it would be remiss to write off the naturalized-native born issue as simply a way to ensure that the president maintains his or her loyalty to the United States. My gut tells me that its a bit immoral to discriminate against naturalized citizens for only one position of public office, when they are able to run for all others. I realize that being President of the United States is not "just another job," but at the same time it seems severely nationalistic (dare I say "cult-like") to have the presidency raised to a sacred standard. Why should we not value other public officials or hold them to the high standard to which we hold the president? Have we as a nation, perhaps, become dependent on the president to fix all of our problems?
That's another issue, I suppose... but I think that the natural-born vs. naturalized citizen issue is necessary in contemporary political discourse.
Of course, YES. All other things being equal, why would we want a lesser qualified and/or dumber American be President than the more qualified and smarter one. Without going into specifics, just look at the collections of absolute morons that have held the post in the past few decades – it's a disgrace. I'm sue even some illegal chamber maids or tomato pickers would have done a better job.
Might as well just let some foreigner run our country for all most of you people care. Pathetic. The presidency is to be held by an American. No exceptions. You people will do anything to keep changing our great country until you have ruined it. The people that have spilt blood and went to their graves helping make this great country what it is would be ashamed of anyone even thinking of such a stupid idea.
Some people leave there home land country to go and give birth in other country especially in the US, so there child would have citizenship. That should stop because you are not helping your own country to grow. So to me the US should not allow that to happen, that is why developing country is not growing we are leaving because of this. You do not born in that country and want to become a president NO! go and be president to your own country and help developed your home land.
The freedom, work ethic, respect for family, honor, hiearchy came from Biblical principles. God has blessed America because their founders applied the Scriptures principles on this land. That is why all people were welcome centuries later when the Nation became strong and great. No islam, no hinduism, no mistreatment of women like in India or middle east. The founding fathers knew that people from other parts of the globe with quite different cultures, would come and try to change it. That is why restrictions for foreigners residents and on the case of this article, a restriction for a naturalized citizen. If wasn't like that would be like french revolution, the thing eating itself. I am from Brazil and actually glad I am not like some groups who keep pushing to make the face of this Nation theri face (ugly in my opinion). I can see zacharia as a child and teenager on that miserable place, seem his mom been ignored, attacked. Now this guy has his vanity up to his brains. Man, how rotten is human nature. These people make me angry in how dirty, unfair they are. Look at me. I am adopted by America and i know I have much more heart of an american than zacharia or these other people from india. I share western values, white, christian and exactly because of this background I welcome anyone arabs, hindus, muslims, BUT either you comply, change your ways or please go back where you came from.
Just in time for the Obama campaign, haha...now it could actually be legal for him to be president.
I would say No. if you're that great a leader, return to your country of origin and do something constructive there.
MOST OF YOU HAVE MISSED THE POINT! Were you all asleep in high school civics class? This is not about being nice to naturalized citizens. It is not about racism. It had nothing to do with Alexander Hamilton.
The requirement that the President (and Vice-President) of the United States be a Natural-Born Citizen is to protect the US from infiltration by foreign spies, foreign agents, control by foreign governments, influence by foreign interests, etc.
The leaders of the US must put our national interest first. Someone who is foreign will have ties and interests to another country. The President of the US cannot have divided loyalties.
Also, very faulty logic to say that being naturalized 2 years ago is too soon, but 10 years ago is okay - where would we draw the line? How else to prevent sleeper agents with anti-US agenda from taking power and selling us out to foreign governments and foreign corporations. This law exists for a very good reason and the vast majority of Americans support it.
Yup.The Founders had the example of England.When the yahoos their became worried that James the Second was going to make the Catholic Religion the state religion,they threw him out and hired his son in law,the dutchman.Was kinda rough on Catholics,but the English did do the sensible thing – went and had their war in Ireland.
My ancestors were on the losing side,and came to America afterwards.Which made them the winners,sorta.
Validate your 2nd Amendment Rights.Carry.
I read a great deal of the comments but eventually gave up hoping someone would raise the point that popped into my head... SteveR has the main just of what I was thinking, though I don't agree with him completely.
The issue isn't about the president as an administrator. it's about the president as a representative of the U.S. abroad and as the commander in chief of the armed forces. The president should not have divided loyalties when it comes to negotiations with other countries, much less in the defense of US soil. Some people who might otherwise have been great presidents could be barred because of this, however with at something like 200 million eligible people I don't think it will be all that important.
Reviewed most of the above comments . Interesting thought . Like Fareed I grew up in India and am fully naturalized but I really have one loyalty I.e. to the US I care deeply about our debt, our dependence on oil, our education crisis and healthcare crisis. I think there are plenty of naturalized citizens that are very patriotic, objective, well read and who truly care for this country's welfare and it's future. While many may disagree some of these individuals also speak more than one language and have a great sense of history and geography. They are articulate and some have been in local governments or even run companies. Their skill sets would be very suitable for the top job. So why not have someone who grew up elsewhere and by experiencing life there and here truly understands the greatness of this nation and is willing to preserve those at any cost. Until Obama became president even his wife said she was not proud of USA. Why not have someone who has seen it both ways. Wisdom is knowledge applied often with compassion.. And we need wisdom in our leaders not just charisma. Let the people decide. Arnold, for whatever it's worth, got a shot at California. Why not someone else at the top. Having said that I think it would be very unlikely for people to vote a naturalized citizen as President in this country . For God's sake we have problems with a Mormon or a black or even a Jew. The best person for the job rarely makes it to the top
and the best person DEFINITELY is NOT someone from another country ESPECIALLY one like india !
ahah the last thing America needs is the "experience" of someone from india. Expert in misery, extreme poverty, starvation and disease. Master's degree in corruption and PhD. in mistreating women, with emphasis on violence. get a life dear hindu.
No way in H-ll !!!
This may be the best solution to America's amazing politics. Fresh untainted talents are badly missing in American politics. Its the same old same old people trying to sway white American voters.
Question – where in the world today, do you find the voters giving the previous calamitous Government a majority in a decision making Congress? This pooper party brought America's finances to its knees. And the aftermath of a decade's financial squander is still not over yet. The spilling effect of it, and the worst, is yet to come for USA.
How so easily Americans forget, especially white Americans.
I am neither black nor 'colored'. I am only human, like everyone in this wide wide world.
you are an obviously very partisan individual i am a Libertarian so i find BOTH parties disgusting and that both of them are moving in the wrong way on particular issues and i am done voting the lesser of two evils
RON PAUL 2012
why have a political outsider when you can have someone in who has been in for 12 terms and who has been fighting this interventionist foriegn policy and runaway spending his entire time while saying the same things for 30 years
Yes point blank. No one has the right to say who is the leader of the free world the people will decide. If we could have crazy presidents like Goerge W. Bush for 8 terms we can have just about anyone that is with reason and wits in office. This world has produced great leaders and we as American should accept not all of them have come from America.
America's greatness was because of its Liberty. Most other "great" world powers were from domination I do not want some foreigner even running for VP period. Judging by your username you are hispanic obviously for the allowing pf ILLEGAL immigration. an obama supporter and have family that are either in a hispanic country and/or illegal aliens
this is probably stereotypical but when you have the username Hispanic132 I WILL use stereotypes
Given the 300+ million folks born in the USA why do we need someone from another country becoming president of the USA? Does anyone else see this happening for all the wrong reasons?
I would vote yes to allowing naturalized citizens run for president with the condition that they have lived here X number of years. My parents moved here when i was 1 years old. My little sister (3 years younger) was born here. Therefore, she would be eligible to run for president, while I would not (even though I basically lived my whole life here).
Get a copy of photoshop and realize your dream !
like
I am a naturalized citizen. But I do not think it's right to let any naturalized citizen to have the right to be the President. Probably it's better to set a minimum number of years (say 25 years) to live in the contry for both the naturala and naturalized citizens to be eligible to run for the top job. Don't worry about me, I won't be eligible for the next 15 years.
No.
The only true Americans are the indigenious native Red Indians. All other races, especially white haired settlers in America are colonist who almost wiped out the first owners of the land.
I think its payback time.
It would be great for other non-white Americans to show them how this country should be run. So many years of extremely controversial management by the "Europeans" have reduced USA to being disrespected by their former overseas admirers. America is no longer a great country – until new talents are admitted into Government. A change outdated cowboy political mindsets is long overdue.
You know what – people dont talk about history but historically the Europeans conquer, not with their wits, but with guns, cannons and swords. They were merciless in their conquest of the land America.
RON PAUL 2012!
The most common remarks I hear in the East is this -
"No more American tourists, they are all bankrupt".
No, because then Arnold Schwarzenegger will try to run for President.
Good one! And you know he will...the guy doesn't give up.
I I think that Mr. Zakaria is touching upon a very interesting point. Although I do think that a case can be made both ways for naturalized citizens, I do think that those born in U.S. territories should be able to run for president. Thousands of people spanning the 13 U.S. territories across the globe are born U.S. citizens, given U.S. passports, pay federal taxes, pledge allegiance to the flag and even serve their country in war. They call themselves Americans and give their life as Americans but are unable to run for president, let alone VOTE for a presidential candidate.
IIn Guam for example, a strategic military stronghold in the South Pacific. There are 2 major hospitals on island- one on the Naval Base that can only be accessed if you have a military badge/related to a military/navy personnel and the other in Tamuning, accessible to the civilian population of Guam. The difference of being born in one hospital over another determines whether or not you could run for President- at the naval hospital you're eligible, at Guam Memorial Hospital you are not.
Personally, I think this stipulation is archaic and outdated and does not account for the thousands of Americans born in the territories. As an American citizen, whether naturalized or not, living under a democracy means you have the RIGHT to participate in the highest levels of govt- whether that be voting or running. But then again I don't know how far a presidential candidate from the territories can go when their home base population can't even caste a vote.
They as a people have chosen NOT to become a state them and puerto rico have no right to the perks of statehood without the negatives.
Fareed – I am a legal permanent resident and eligible to be a naturalized US citizen. I personally believe in the term "sons of the soil ", unless you are born and raised in the country, you cannot truly understand the culture again that is my personal belief. Otherwise I agree you have valid points such as highly qualified individual like yourself, American being the country of immigrants etc. I am also from India and I do not prefer foreigners running my country although it is sadly the situation in India. I believe all opportunities should be equal but when it comes to deciding what is right and wrong for the country should be matter between the natives.
I vote yes, they should be allowed. It doesn't really matter, if you can get yourself nominated and elected it shouldn't matter. Worse come to worse, there is always impeachment.
The one problem I see is with war, especially all those nukes. Impeachment proceedings are a bit too slow to stop a nuclear launch. So we might have to ban people from places that tend to start wars a lot. Places like Israel and Palestine, Lebanon, Texas...
do you have any idea how many ant-semitic AND anti-arabic charges would be thrown at someone??? one from each party if someone attempted this.
Nope.Bad enough what Americans have done to our country,what would happen after yahoos and terrorists from everywhere else show up wanting to be president.
Could happen too – look at how poorly vetted the O'Bummer was,by both media and people.
Validate your 2nd Amendment Rights.Carry.
I do believe all the ideas you've offered in your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for starters. Could you please prolong them a bit from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
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