Temporary sojourn” isn’t a common phrase, yet I heard it on two occasions last Wednesday: listening to a broadcast from the Supreme Court; then, later at the seder, which includes a discussion on whether Jacob intended to settle in Egypt.
Supreme Court hearings are the antidote to ignorance-driven social media, where everyone has a take but no one knows much of anything. In the cacophony of extreme, emotive and increasingly AI and bot-driven online discourse, individuals are certain of “facts.” If proven incorrect, no bother, double down or move on to the next rage of the day.
As I listened to arguments about birthright citizenship, harkening back to English Common Law, to a foundational Supreme Court case of the late 19th century, I was reminded of the intellectual, rationalist backbone of the incredible political project that is the US. The justices and petitioner sparred, each digging deep into his or her knowledge base, interpreting and re-interpreting, responding to arguments in real time with actual evidence . . . this is what the Enlightenment was all about. Sharing information and putting it into the public square is intended to uplift society, not demean it.
In the part of the hearing that I listened to, the justices and petitioner were all arguing from a baseline that birthright citizenship is beneficial to those upon whom it is conferred. There is a completely different side to the argument that is rarely talked about: the people who have birthright citizenship but don’t want it. Because US citizens (and Greencard holders) are required to file US taxes, no matter their residence. To renounce citizenship — like any bureaucratic process — takes time and costs money. When the Obama administration went after those hiding their assets offshore, its FATCA legislation made life very difficult for US citizens abroad, the majority of whom were not part of the 1%.
Today, there are plenty of former temporary sojourners who wish they hadn’t been born in the US.
Who among us isn’t concerned about discourse in our society? About the quality of education? One idea that is easy to implement — livestream the US Supreme Court into classrooms, beginning in middle school. Even one hour a week, followed by role play inside the classroom, could have enormous benefit. The problem: How do we force the adults to do it, too?
Shana Goldberg may be reached at shana@ijn.com
