Arizona state Senator Russell Pearce wants to challenge the 14th Ammendment that makes children citizens if they are born in the United States, regardless of their parents' status.

First, Arizona targeted illegal immigrants. Now the state's eyeing their children.

A state senator is looking to draft legislation that would keep children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally from becoming citizens, as well as making them pay tuition to attend public schools.

"My issue is protecting the taxpayers. You can't come here illegally and not be a legal resident and expect the taxpayers to pick up your tab," State Sen. Russell Pearce told the Arizona Capitol Times.

The Arizona Republican is looking to draft legislation that will target the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which states that, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

Pearce called this "policy" from the Constitution "a magnet that attracts illegal immigrants." 

Separately, the senator wants children whose parents are in the United States illegally to pay tuition to attend public school.

"They shouldn't be a burden," Pearce told the Capitol Times. "You don't have a right to be a non-resident of this state and take advantage of the taxpayers of this state."

State Sen. John Huppenthal tried to propose similar legislation earlier this year, but it failed to pass.

Arizona began its assault on illegal immigration last month, when Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law a controversial bill that would allow state police to question the citizenship of suspected criminals.

The law has been criticized across the nation by police commanders and politicians who fear it could lead to racial profiling. However, polls suggest a majority of Americans would like to see similar legislation passed in other states.

Brewer met with President Obama last week over her state's battle with illegal immigration. The White House says it plans to send 1,200 National Guard troops to the Mexican border, as well as $500 million in funding. 

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/06/07/2010-06-07_arizona_sen_russell_pearce_make_children_of_illegal_immigrants_pay_tuition_to_at.html#ixzz0qFyqAK1M