Which of the following correctly summarizes why
noncitizens are protected by the Bill of Rights? (1 point)
a Noncitizens are considered citizens under the language
of the Fourteenth Amendment and have the same rights
as citizens.
b Noncitizens may have green cards that grant them the
same constitutional rights as citizens.
c Noncitizens may have permanent residency that grants
them the same constitutional rights as citizens.
d Noncitizens are considered “people” within the language
of the Constitution and are therefore entitled to the same
constitutional protections as citizens.
d Noncitizens are considered “people” within the language
of the Constitution and are therefore entitled to the same
constitutional protections as citizens.
d Noncitizens are considered “people” within the language of the Constitution and are therefore entitled to the same constitutional protections as citizens.
The correct answer is d) Noncitizens are considered “people” within the language of the Constitution and are therefore entitled to the same constitutional protections as citizens.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the basis for the protection of noncitizens under the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is a set of amendments to the United States Constitution that outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. These rights apply to all individuals within the jurisdiction of the United States, including noncitizens.
The Constitution itself does not explicitly mention noncitizens, but it does use the term "people" to refer to individuals. The language of the Constitution, particularly the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, guarantees certain rights and protections to "people" without specifying that these rights are exclusive to citizens.
The Fourteenth Amendment explicitly states that no state shall "deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This language extends the protection of fundamental rights to all individuals, regardless of their citizenship status. Noncitizens fall within the definition of "person" in this context and are therefore entitled to the same constitutional protections as citizens.
Therefore, option d) accurately summarizes why noncitizens are protected by the Bill of Rights, as they are considered “people” within the language of the Constitution and are entitled to the same constitutional protections as citizens.