Congressman John Conyers, Jr., issued the following statement regarding his plans to introduce a constitutional amendment allowing foreign born citizens to be eligible for the presidency:

 “On the very first day Congress returns from the August recess (September 3), I plan to introduce a Constitutional Amendment allowing foreign born persons who have been citizens of the United States for at least 20 years to be eligible for the presidency or vice presidency.

 Article II of the Constitution allows only natural born citizens to be eligible for the Office of President, a restriction I believe whose time has passed.  Immigrants have made great contributions to this nation and are an integral thread in our national fabric - they serve in our military, in elected offices, and in positions in service of others.  Naturalized citizens deserve every opportunity given to those of us fortunate enough to have been born in this great country, including the chance to lead this nation.  The highest office in the land should no longer be reserved for those persons born in the United States. 

 “I commend Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in the Senate, and Congressman Vic Snyder (D-Ark), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), Rep. William Delahunt (D-MA), Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT), and Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) in the House for introducing similar legislation (S.J. Res. 15 and H.J. Res. 59), and I look forward to working with them to ensure that this important issue is given every possible consideration.  I do not take amending the Constitution lightly, but in the present case, the cause is just and there is no other legal option available to eliminate this inequity.”