The Hill News

The 14th Amendment should not be modified to remove birthright citizenship, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Friday.

McCain, who has stressed immigration and border security in his primary against former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), told The Associated Press that securing the border should be the first priority.

The Arizona Republican said last week that he supported holding hearings on the 14th Amendment, but stopped short of endorsing any changes.

A number of high-profile Republicans, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Jon Kyl ! (Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (S.C.), have suggested the part of the amendment that grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the United States should be reviewed.