|
Loyola Law School students had the opportunity to engage in an in-depth discussion on birthright citizenship with Seymour Amster, the Executive Director of PESA. Amster, a seasoned attorney and advocate, led a compelling hour-long presentation that explored the historical and legal complexities surrounding citizenship in the United States. Students were treated to free pizza while they absorbed insights from a legal expert with decades of experience.
The presentation covered the origins of birthright citizenship, tracing it back to the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Amster analyzed past legal battles, including the landmark Wong Kim Ark case, which reaffirmed that citizenship is a right granted at birth, regardless of parental immigration status.
Throughout his talk, Amster urged students to think critically about the legal battles ahead and the power of the law in shaping policy. He posed a thought-provoking question: “If the Supreme Court decides that individuals born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents are not subject to jurisdiction, what do we do?” His answer was clear—lawyers must take action. He emphasized the power of class action lawsuits as a tool for change, encouraging students to think strategically about legal challenges. “What motivates the government? Taxpayers,” he pointed out, pushing students to consider how legal arguments can influence policy decisions.
Kate Escobar, a Master of Science in Legal Studies (MLS) student at Loyola, attended the presentation with a personal stake in the issue. “My family comes from immigrants, and my older sibling is also an immigrant,” she shared. “I just wanted to hear more about it, especially with everything going on.” Escobar appreciated the depth of Amster’s discussion, noting that many people "just glaze right over" such crucial legal concepts.
Amster’s passion for legal advocacy resonated with attendees. “He’s very good at speaking,” Escobar said. “This is the first time I’ve seen him around, and I really liked his personality. I also want to learn more about the pro bono work he leads.”
The presentation left students with not just legal insights but also a call to action. “Never put your liberty at risk, but think and fight,” Amster urged. His message was clear: the legal battle over birthright citizenship is far from over, and future lawyers must be prepared to defend fundamental rights.
If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us
| 
