Nobody should make light of the fact that the children born to illegal immigrants or visitors to the United States immediately become citizens (“Citizens by ‘Birthright’,” PostScript, Aug. 15).

The 14th Amendment needs to be changed so that only a child born to someone who is already an American citizen can be a citizen at birth. Even if it cuts down on illegal immigrants coming here a little, a little is better than nothing. It’s something that must and should be done.

Leslye Kohl, Manhattan

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Though I agree the 14th Amendment should be amended to refuse birthright citizenship, I think it would take years.

In the meantime, to help ease the burden of the influx of illegal immigration, certain things should be refused to those here illegally, such as free non-emergency health care, schooling and employment.

Putting these rules in place will do more to curb immigration than fences and manpower on the border. Besides, the word “illegal” should be enough to get those phonies in Washington off their backsides and make some serious decisions and enforce the laws we have.

Jeffrey Rickey, Manalapan, NJ