Birthright Citizenship in the United States: Myths vs. Facts

Birthright citizenship, often referred to as jus soli (Latin for “right of the soil”), is a legal principle that grants citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory. This principle has been a subject of debate and misconception in the United States. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of birthright citizenship in the U.S., address common myths, and present accurate information based on legal and historical sources.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship, or jus soli, grants citizenship to any individual born within a country’s territory, regardless of the parents’ citizenship or immigration status . It is one of two forms of birthright citizenship: ancestry-based citizenship (jus sanguinis) and birthplace-based citizenship (jus soli) . Ancestry-based citizenship grants citizenship based on the parents’ citizenship, while birthplace-based citizenship grants it based on the place of birth. In the United States, birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1868 .  

The Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside” . This clause was intended to overturn the Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans, and to ensure that all persons born in the U.S. are recognized as citizens, with a few exceptions, such as children born to diplomats or in hostile occupation .  

History and Evolution of Birthright Citizenship

The concept of birthright citizenship in the U.S. is rooted in English common law and Roman legal principles . Historically, it served pragmatic economic purposes by providing a competitive labor advantage to nations with expanding territories and mercantile economies . The idea was to incentivize immigration and increase the workforce. This historical context is important to understand the origins of birthright citizenship and its connection to economic development.  

The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, solidified birthright citizenship as a constitutional right in the U.S.. This amendment was a response to the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision of 1857, which held that people of African descent, whether enslaved or free, could not be citizens of the United States . The Fourteenth Amendment aimed to overturn this decision and grant citizenship to all persons born in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people, with limited exceptions such as children born to foreign diplomats . Congressional debates surrounding the amendment’s drafting reveal that lawmakers intended to grant citizenship to all persons born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ status, with these limited exceptions .  

Legal Cases and Rulings

The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle of birthright citizenship. In the landmark case United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), the Court affirmed that a child born in the U.S. to Chinese immigrants was a U.S. citizen by birth . Wong Kim Ark was born in San Francisco to Chinese parents who were legal residents of the U.S. When he returned to the U.S. after a trip to China, he was denied entry based on the Chinese Exclusion Act. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, stating that the Fourteenth Amendment granted citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ nationality. This case established a precedent that has been consistently followed in subsequent rulings.  

More recently, legal challenges have arisen regarding attempts to restrict birthright citizenship. In 2025, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and those with temporary status . The order declared that children born in the U.S. to parents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents would not be considered citizens. This executive order faced immediate legal challenges from various states and organizations. Federal judges in Maryland, Washington, and Massachusetts issued preliminary injunctions blocking the implementation of this order, asserting its unconstitutionality . These rulings reaffirmed the long-standing legal interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment and its guarantee of birthright citizenship.  

Arguments For and Against Birthright Citizenship

The debate over birthright citizenship continues, with proponents and opponents presenting various arguments.

Arguments in favor of birthright citizenship:

• Non-racial citizenship: Birthright citizenship ensures that citizenship is not based on race or ethnicity, promoting equality and preventing the creation of a hereditary caste system . This aligns with the Fourteenth Amendment’s goal of ensuring equal protection under the law.  
• Social cohesion: It facilitates the integration of first-generation immigrants into American society . By granting citizenship to children born in the U.S., it encourages them to participate fully in civic and economic life.  
• Ease of proof: It simplifies the process of proving citizenship, as a birth certificate serves as sufficient evidence . This reduces administrative burdens and prevents complications in accessing rights and benefits.  
• Preventing statelessness: It aligns with international human rights norms by reducing the risk of statelessness for children born in the U.S.. Statelessness can lead to significant challenges in accessing basic rights and services.  
• Preventing a permanent underclass: Birthright citizenship prevents the creation of a hereditary caste of non-citizens who are vulnerable to exploitation . This is consistent with the historical context of the Fourteenth Amendment, which aimed to address the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination.  

Arguments against birthright citizenship:

• Potential for abuse: Critics argue that it could encourage undocumented immigration or “birth tourism” . However, there is no evidence to suggest widespread abuse of the system.  
• Overly generous: Some argue that the U.S. is one of the few countries with such a broad interpretation of birthright citizenship . However, this argument overlooks the historical and social context of the Fourteenth Amendment and its purpose in promoting equality and inclusion.  
• Citizenship by consent: Some proponents of restricting birthright citizenship advocate for “citizenship by consent,” where citizenship is granted based on the parents’ choice and not solely on the place of birth . This argument raises questions about the definition of consent and the potential for discrimination in granting citizenship.  

Birthright Citizenship in Other Countries

While birthright citizenship is common in the Americas, it is less prevalent in other regions of the world . Some countries have adopted variations of birthright citizenship, such as conditional birthright citizenship, where individuals become eligible for citizenship at a certain age or after fulfilling residency requirements . For example, in some countries, children born to foreign parents may become citizens if they have resided in the country for a certain number of years.  

Many countries that previously granted unrestricted birthright citizenship have moved towards more restrictive policies, often requiring at least one parent to be a citizen or legal resident . This shift reflects changing attitudes towards immigration and citizenship in a globalized world.  

Birthright citizenship in the United States is a complex issue with deep historical roots and ongoing legal and social implications. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees birthright citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction, with limited exceptions. This principle has been upheld by the Supreme Court in numerous cases, including United States v. Wong Kim Ark.

While there are arguments for and against birthright citizenship, it remains a fundamental aspect of American law and identity. Understanding the history, legal basis, and various perspectives surrounding birthright citizenship is crucial for informed discussions and policy decisions on this important issue.