OPINION: Madison must reject second-class citizenship amendment
By Hanu Karlapalem
Guest opinion column
A proposed state constitutional amendment would bar naturalized citizens from public office and strip equal rights from thousands of Alabama residents — and Madison’s mayor and city council must oppose it now.
The old saying that “all politics is local” no longer applies when states themselves flirt with anti-democratic ideas. Today, all national politics are local, because decisions made in Montgomery reach directly into our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces — and even into our sense of belonging as Americans.
That’s why Madison’s elected leaders should speak out against a deeply troubling proposal from Alabama’s supermajority legislature. Senator Donnie Chesteen (R–Geneva) and Representative Rhett Marques (R–Enterprise) have pre-filed a bill for constitutional amendment to bar naturalized U.S. citizens from running for numerous offices — creating a system of second-class citizenship.
As a long-time Madison resident, I’m calling on our mayor and city council to sign the petition opposing this measure and to pass a resolution affirming a simple truth: equal citizenship belongs to both naturalized and natural-born Americans — without exception.
We Defended the Constitution — Now Alabama’s Leaders Want to Rewrite It
Naturalized citizens like me took the same oath every elected official takes: to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. We expected threats to that Constitution to come from foreign adversaries — not from our own statehouse.
If enacted, this amendment would block naturalized citizens from serving as governor, attorney general, or even in the Alabama Legislature. It mirrors rhetoric from Secretary of State Wes Allen — rhetoric that contradicts the oath he himself took.
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States.”
Equal protection. Equal rights. Equal opportunity. No second-class citizenship. Full stop.
Think about your own family tree. At some point — unless you are a member of an Indigenous nation whose ancestors were already here — someone in your family became an American through naturalization process. And remember: the ancestors of Black Americans were kidnapped and enslaved, and later became citizens by right, justice, and constitutional promise.
We are a nation built by generations who chose America — who earned their citizenship, defended it, and made this country stronger.
That’s the story of America. That’s the story of us all. And no legislature can erase it.
The “foreign influence” excuse is false — and offensive
Supporters claim the amendment protects Alabama from foreign influence. That argument is baseless — and it insults thousands of Alabamians who studied our laws, passed background checks, earned citizenship through a rigorous process, and swore a solemn oath of loyalty.
Naturalized citizens undergo far more scrutiny than anyone born here. We chose this country. We pledged allegiance to it. Many of us fled places without the freedoms Alabamians cherish — and we defend those freedoms fiercely.
Madison’s leaders must speak up
My representative of State House District 4, Rep. Parker Moore (R–Decatur), has not responded to my email since November 5. He and Governor Kay Ivey should send a clear message that Alabama will not write discrimination into its constitution.
Madison is one of the most diverse, fast-growing cities in the state. Naturalized citizens serve as engineers at Redstone Arsenal, teachers, business owners, professors, scientists, IT professionals, and faith leaders. We strengthen this community every day.
If this amendment moves forward, it could appear on the 2026 ballot. We must stop it now.
The Madison community can lead
I call on our mayor, council members, civic groups, veterans, faith leaders, and businesses to take a stand. This is not about partisanship. It’s about fairness, integrity, and the Constitution itself.
Add your name to the petition: https://c.org/YGVK6r6LCW
Tell Montgomery that Madison rejects second-class citizenship — and stands firmly for one nation, under God, with liberty, justice, and one citizenship for all.
If Alabama truly values freedom, we must defend the Constitution, not rewrite it.
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 more than 25 years.
