Anchor baby meaning

An anchor baby refers to a child born in a country to parents who are not citizens, with the intention of securing permanent residency for the family.


Anchor baby definitions

Word backwards rohcna ybab
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division an-chor ba-by
Plural The plural of the term "anchor baby" is "anchor babies."
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (6) n,c,h,r,b,y

Anchor babies is a term used to refer to children born in a country to parents who are not citizens of that country. The idea is that these children will serve as an "anchor" for their families, allowing them to stay in the country or gain legal status through family reunification policies. This term is often used in discussions about immigration policies and debates surrounding citizenship rights.

Origin of the Term

The term "anchor babies" gained popularity in the U.S. in the 2000s as part of the debate on birthright citizenship. Critics of birthright citizenship argue that some immigrants come to the country specifically to have children who will be eligible for citizenship, thus creating an anchor for the rest of the family. Proponents of birthright citizenship, on the other hand, argue that it is a fundamental aspect of American identity and values.

Legal Considerations

In the U.S., the principle of birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which states that all persons born or naturalized in the country are citizens. This means that children born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' immigration status, are automatically granted citizenship. However, some argue that this policy can be exploited, leading to concerns about so-called anchor babies.

Impact and Controversy

The term "anchor babies" has been criticized for its dehumanizing and derogatory nature, reducing individuals to mere objects or tools for immigration purposes. Critics argue that it ignores the humanity and dignity of children born in these circumstances and contributes to anti-immigrant sentiments. However, supporters of stricter immigration policies continue to use the term to argue for reforms.

Overall, the debate around anchor babies reflects larger conversations about immigration, citizenship, and national identity. It raises questions about how societies define and grant membership, who is included or excluded, and what rights and responsibilities come with citizenship. As discussions on immigration policy continue, the term "anchor babies" will likely remain a contentious and polarizing topic.


Anchor baby Examples

  1. The controversial term "anchor baby" refers to a child born to non-citizen parents in a country that has birthright citizenship.
  2. There is ongoing debate about the legality and implications of granting citizenship to anchor babies.
  3. Some argue that anchor babies are used as a way for undocumented immigrants to establish roots in a country.
  4. Critics of the term "anchor baby" believe it is derogatory and dehumanizes children born in this manner.
  5. The issue of anchor babies has been a hot topic in immigration policy discussions.
  6. The concept of anchor babies has been a key talking point in political campaigns.
  7. Some countries have implemented policies to deter "birth tourism" and prevent anchor baby situations.
  8. Legal scholars have differing opinions on the constitutionality of denying birthright citizenship to anchor babies.
  9. The term "anchor baby" first gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century.
  10. Advocates for immigrant rights argue that anchor babies should not be held responsible for their parents' actions.


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  • Updated 05/05/2024 - 13:44:47