PUBLISHER of Ovation Magazine and former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Mr Dele Momodu, has condemned United States of America President Donald Trump’s decision to end birthright citizenship for children of immigrants born within the shores of the North American country, warning it undermines America’s foundational principles.
In an interview with Channels TV, Momodu acknowledged Trump’s America-first approach but questioned his wisdom regarding the policy. “I haven’t been a big fan of Donald Trump, and a lot of people would tell you that he’s right because he’s thinking first about America and not about others”, he said.
“But America must also remember that what makes America is the fact that it is not your typical country where there is discrimination.”
Momodu emphasized the historical significance of birthright citizenship in American immigration policy. “The fact that you could go there today, give birth to a child, and the child automatically becomes American – that was one of the major attractions why people used to fly to America,” he explained, adding, “If America is great today, even he acknowledged it yesterday (on Monday), it is because of the sweat and labour of those who built America.”
The publisher pointed out the irony in Trump’s position, noting, “Donald Trump’s parents came from somewhere, his wife’s parents came from somewhere. I saw his father-in-law yesterday (Monday) at the inauguration. So, if we all now say, because we have crossed the bridge, we don’t mind the bridge collapsing, I don’t think it’s a very wise decision,”
He also stated that a lot of Trump’s supporters who are Nigerians in the US who used to criticize them on social media might be affected by this policy change.
Eighteen-Eleven Media