Professor Martha S. Jones, author of the book Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America, discusses the history of birthright citizenship in America, a struggle that began before the Civil War, before the Emancipation Proclamation. During this uncertain and perilous, a time particularly dangerous African Americans, black activists fought for citizenship status, thus radically transforming the terms of citizenship for all Americans.

We also discuss correlations to modern times including the administration's recent statements around using an executive order to change the language in the constitution around birthright citizenship.

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Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America

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