Phil,
Where in the Constitution is this power delegated to the Feds?
Best, Michael
Michael:
I'll take the liberty of answering for Phil.
1. To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization
2. To provide for calling forth the Militia to ... and repel Invasions
-Derek
If I may take the liberty of commenting:
1. "Naturalization" refers to giving people political rights; making them
citizens. You have never had to become a citizen to live and work in the
US.
2. "Invasions" clearly means military attacks because it follows
"Insurrections". ( The same clause does allow using the Militia to "enforce
the laws", whatever those laws might be. )
If the Constitution hints anywhere at Federal control of immigration, it
suggests that in Art 1 Sect 9, the temporary authorization of the slave
trade.
IMHO the framers did believe that Congress could have passed laws
controlling the immigration of free people as well as the "importation" of
slaves. However, leaders soon realized that this potential power, and many
similar extensions of power, could eventually become a problem. So they
fixed it with the 10th Amendment. After the 10th Amendment, the Federal
government did not have any power to control immigration of free people. It
could still forbid the slave trade, because slaves were considered
"property", subject to laws about imports and commerce in goods.
Harland Harrison
LPSM