andrew c. mccarthy former assistant unite state attorney southern district new york write national review donald trump propose temporary ban muslim immigration unconstitutional mccarthy note properly vet would-be immigrants religious beliefs legal would wise prudent ignorant pronouncements 2016 presidential campaign dumb may constitution forbid religious test vet immigrants monotonously repeat political speeches talking-head blather claim heedless islamic doctrinal root foreign-born islamists jihadists breed base anti-americanism also dead wrong.the clause say source drivel find article vi doubt shock learn utterly nothing immigration clause state religious test shall ever require qualification office public trust unite state emphasis add face provision inapplicable immigrants large let alone alien would like immigrants even apply general public strictly limit public officials specifically fitness serve government positions.this equally clear clause context right religious test directive article vi decree elect appoint officials shall bind oath affirmation support constitution oath office customarily require official solemnly swear support defend constitution help god see e.g oath prescribe federal law framers tack religious test clause clarify mandate solemn oath take office mean fidelity particular religious creed require principle inform first amendment prohibition establishment state religion.this constitution prescribe qualifications even high offices purpose promote liberty vitally include freedom elect whomever choose vote private consciences principal check public officials ballot box law minimalist requirements.as voters right weigh candidate religious beliefs significant part total package do republic found day virtually candidates take pain wear faith however nominal sleeves loathsome jeremiah wright fleetingly become issue 2008 campaign barack obama thunder constitution must inquire religious beliefs throw rev bus come choose represent us limit intrusive laws reserve right bring bear consideration include religion deem relevant.read national review trump right constitution bar religious test immigration law