Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said Tuesday that the failure of Congress to statutorily “clarify” the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to those born in this country, makes it necessary for states to take the lead.

Pearce, the author of two other Arizona laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration, said details have not yet been finalized. But he said one place Arizona can make its views heard would be to deny state-issued birth certificates – the necessary precursor of proof of citizenship – to children of those not in the country legally.

Lydia Guzman, president of Somos America, an immigrants rights group, said any such measure will wind up in court. “Expect plenty of lawsuits. Expect plenty of legal fees in this,” she said. “This is nothing but a political ploy for political posturing.”

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