Social media trolls had a field day lambasting Kitty for her US citizenship, labeling her as an "anchor baby." This controversial term refers to babies born in the US to noncitizens who fly there and take advantage of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. American exceptionalism is a strong belief that the US holds a unique position in world history, often characterized by the idea that America is inherently different — morally, politically or culturally — from other nations. American exceptionalism was not far off from President Trump's campaign platform to "Make America Great Again" — a nostalgic longing when the world once looked up to the US as the "shining city upon the hill." However, American exceptionalism is weakened by woke politics, illogical diversity laws favoring LGBTQ+ and large-scale larceny by illegal migrants on social welfare. I believe that anchor babies will have better opportunities in the US than in the Philippines, where political dynasties rule with impunity, democracy is for sale to the highest bidder, and the economy is inefficient and inequitable for sustainable growth. On a final note, Filipino families will continue to aspire to either leave the country or apply for citizenship in other nations unless the state improves the quality of life or installs a reward-based environment similar to that in the US. Read Full Story
