On CNN's State of the Union Sunday, Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson dismissed the controversy over the term "anchor babies," which many consider a racial slur. Recently, Carson, along with Donald Trump and Jeb Bush, has used the term to refer to something he wants prohibited: the policy that illegal immigrants can have children in the U.S. who immediately become citizens.
"I think it's silly political correctness," he said. "Everybody knows what we're talking about. We need to talk about the actual issue and stop getting pulled off into the weeds."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Second Amendment enthusiast Donald Trump has little new to say on gunsThe Explainer Trump opposes a ban on assault weapons and strengthening background checks, but supports teachers carrying weapons in school
-
When does it make sense to refinance your student loans?The Explainer Refinancing involves moving your existing student loans into one new loan, which can streamline how many different payments you are juggling each month.
-
Why has the Taliban banned pictures of living things?Under The Radar 'Virtue' ministry says banned images are contrary to sharia law
-
Trump blames migrants for the housing crisis. Experts aren't so sure.Talking Points Migrants need housing. They also build it.
-
Is Trump okay?Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
Pentagon grants ousted LGBTQ vets full benefitsSpeed Read The new ruling will apply to more than 820 LGBTQ veterans
-
US says Israel must up Gaza aid or risk arms haltSpeed Read The Biden administration has provided a 30-day ultimatum to the country
-
Georgia judge suspends new hand-count ballot ruleSpeed Read The rule would have required three poll workers in every precinct to hand-count votes
-
Man arrested as threats on FEMA hinder Helene reliefSpeed Read The agency temporarily suspended door-to-door operations as a result of the threats
-
The life and times of Kamala HarrisThe Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Arizona kicks off swing-state early votingSpeed Read The voting began with less than a month to go before the presidential election
