AUSTIN, Texas - While President Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz support the idea of revoking birthright citizenship and believe it will energize some Republican voters, others say it could alienate them.
- Texans are divided when it comes to notion of birthright citizenship repealment
- Some Trump supporters oppose him on the issue
- Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott says it would take further study
Texas voters have their own opinions are the matter, and seem to be torn.
On the streets of Austin, the thoughts on President Donald Trump's plan to do away with birthright citizenship sounded something like this:
"I think if you're born here, you should be a citizen."
At a Georgetown get-out-the-vote rally hosted by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, even a die-hard Trump supporter says he opposes him on this issue.
"You know, I support the president, but I don't agree with it. We've always held the idea of birthright citizenship in this country. It precedes the 14th amendment," said Republican voter Henry Sikes Jr.
But another Republican voter, Allison Weirich, hasn't made up her mind. While she knows how the Constitution is written, she's not convinced babies of non-citizens, born in the United States, should hold legal status.
Even Abbott says he has some studying up to do on the issue of birthright citizenship.
"As a former judge, I would take a judicial aspect toward it, read all the law on it, haven't had a chance to read the law on it, so for me it's premature," said Abbott.
Regardless of where they stand, many say revoking birthright citizenship isn't likely to happen anytime soon.
As far as this issue affecting decision-making at the polls, the people we spoke with say their minds are made up on their candidates and they won't change them based on this conversation that's sprung up over birthright citizenship.