In contrast, many nations in Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa follow the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), where citizenship is inherited from one’s parents rather than determined by birthplace. Some countries adopt a hybrid approach, granting citizenship to children of permanent residents under specific conditions.
Historical Context of Birthright Citizenship
John Skrentny, a sociology professor at the University of California, San Diego, explains that while birthright citizenship is common in the Americas, “each nation-state had its own unique road to it.” He notes that, in the U.S., the 14th Amendment was designed to clarify the legal status of freed slaves.
“For example, some involved slaves and former slaves, some did not. History is complicated,” Skrentny says. However, he argues that most countries with birthright citizenship share a common historical thread: “building a nation-state from a former colony.”
Trump’s executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship remains a contentious issue, with strong opinions on both sides. As legal challenges unfold, the debate over how citizenship should be determined continues to shape U.S. immigration policy.
