We Defended the Constitution — Now Alabama Lawmakers Want to Rewrite It

Guest Opinion by Hanu Karlapalem

When naturalized citizens take their oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, the threat they expect is from outside our borders — not from Alabama's own lawmakers. Yet today, some in Montgomery are pushing a proposal that would change what it means to be an American right here in our state.

Last week, Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) and Representative Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) pre-filed a bill that would amend Alabama's constitution to bar naturalized U.S. citizens — those who earned their citizenship the right way and swore allegiance to this country — from holding our highest offices. If passed, this amendment would forbid your neighbors, friends, and coworkers, who happen to be naturalized, from serving as governor, attorney general, or even as your state legislator.

Bad and dumb ideas are nothing new in Montgomery, but this proposal is on another level. It's being promoted by Secretary of State Wes Allen, who owes Alabamians an explanation for abandoning the very oath he took to uphold the Constitution.

Let's be clear: This proposed amendment isn't just irresponsible — it's unconstitutional. It's un-American.

The Fourteenth Amendment is unambiguous. If you are born or naturalized in the United States, you are a citizen — with the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else. There's no gray area, and no room for second-class citizenship. Once anyone takes their oath as an American, their rights are not up for debate. Full stop.

Supporters of this bill say it's about stopping "foreign influence." That's simply false — and it's an insult to anyone who has chosen America as home. The real threat to our state isn't from law-abiding citizens who worked hard for their naturalization, but from politicians who would strip rights from fellow Alabamians in the name of partisan politics.

Naturalized citizens already passed the toughest test: they pledged loyalty to the flag and the Constitution — a step never required of those who were born citizens.

They learned America's story, chose her values, and made her their own.

Equal rights for every Alabamian. One nation under God. One citizenship under the Constitution. No state legislature has the authority to rewrite those principles.

This amendment doesn't "protect" Alabama. Instead, it drives a wedge between neighbors and tells many of us that we'll never be truly trusted — regardless of how much we give to our communities. That isn't leadership; it's fear-mongering.

Look around. Naturalized citizens help make Alabama stronger every day: as doctors, teachers, business owners, engineers, IT professionals, volunteers, scientists, and soldiers. Many know what it's like to live where democracy doesn't exist — and they appreciate and defend our freedoms fiercely. This isn't about party. It's about principle.

If the Legislature moves this measure forward, it could end up on Alabama's 2026 ballot. I believe Alabamians can see through this. We all want a fair, free Alabama — and we shouldn't have to vote on whether our neighbors count as "real" Americans. The Constitution settled that question in 1868.

And let's talk about irony: the same politicians who claim to be "constitutional conservatives" are now backing a plan that violates the very Constitution they swore to protect. You can't wave the flag while tearing up the principles that make it worth defending.

As a naturalized citizen and proud member of this community, I see this bill as an attack on American democracy and Alabama's future. It tells generations of naturalized citizens that they'll never truly belong here. That message dishonors everyone who has served our state and country — regardless of their birthplace.

I urge every Alabamian — faith leaders, veterans, civic groups, business owners, and every neighbor who cares about what's right — to speak out and reject this amendment now, before it goes any further. Join the grassroots movement. Sign the petition at https://c.org/4jryjQvTMb and make your voice heard.

If Alabama truly stands for freedom, fairness, and opportunity, we must stop this proposal now. Our Constitution belongs to all of us — not just one party, or one kind of citizen.

Hanu Karlapalem is a naturalized U.S. citizen, former candidate for Madison Mayor and Limestone County Commission, graduate of UAH, former NAACP Limestone County Second Vice President, and a proud Madison resident for over 25 years.

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