McCain says he’ll listen if Senate hearings called, but doesn’t support 14th Amendment change

McCain says he doesn’t back 14th Amendment change

PHOENIX — Sen. John McCain says he does not support changing the Constitution to end automatic citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants.

The Republican Arizona senator told The Associated Press that despite the current flurry of news stories on the topic and a statement he made last week that was widely interpreted as saying he supported hearings on the matter, he remains unconvinced that such a change is needed.

Instead, he argued that fully securing the border would “dramatically reduce” the problem.

McCain says he’s not calling for hearings on the matter, but will listen to a debate if one is held. But he says he is fundamentally in favor of leaving the Constitution as it is.

McCain is facing a tough campaign against former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth ahead of Arizona’s Aug. 24 primary.