Dear Editor,

An interesting discussion came up concerning the executive order recently signed by President Trump, where he ended birthright citizenship. This order prevents illegal immigrants from giving birth to children in the United States and the children automatically becoming U.S. citizens as a result. If allowed, it leads to the illegal immigrant parents having a path to citizenship via their child’s sponsorship.

This decision brings up a key question for the Government of Guyana. How do we prevent illegal immigrants from an Enemy State like Venezuela from populating Essequibo in order to claim it as theirs in the future? The example set by the President of the United States should be seriously examined and adopted.

The Government of Guyana can make arrangements with the Venezuelan Embassy to have them issue Venezuelan certificates of birth for the children of the illegal immigrants. The Venezuelan birth certificate should identify Caracas as their place of birth. Under no circumstances should we the people of Guyana and the Government of Guyana allow the illegal immigrants from Venezuela to populate our Essequibo by the birthing of children of illegal immigrants.

CRG suggests that the Government of Guyana take a clear position on this matter. A position that safeguards our sovereignty and our national security. Our care for others will not be diminished by such a policy. If and when the illegal immigrants from an enemy state such as Venezuela prove their unquestionable loyalty to our Nation, then and only then should a path to citizenship be allowed. This path to citizenship must include their perpetual renunciation of Venezuela’s claim to our Essequibo and their perpetual allegiance to Guyana.

Sincerely,

Mr. Jamil Changlee