The GOP is currently divided—with a narrow faction arguing that we should abolish birthright citizenship, even though real-world chances of achieving this proposed change register at close to zero.

Some legal scholars may challenge the common understanding that the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., but the Supreme Court has affirmed that principle in a string of cases going back 117 years. Considering the court’s makeup now or in the foreseeable future, no majority of justices will magically materialize to overturn this long-standing policy.

This means a Constitutional amendment would be required, winning approval of both legislative houses in three-quarters of the states. Disapproval by just 13 states would block any amendment, but Democrats control at least one house of the legislature in 18 states. With no Democratic support at all for changing birthright citizenship, an amendment is impossible. Agitating public sentiment over a proposal that can’t win enactment is a demagogic, irresponsible example of political malpractice.