Almost all of us have a story of a family member coming to America, of building a life here, of raising a family. There are massive stains on our nation’s history when it comes to treatment of indigenous people, slavery, and war. But for more than 150 years, one stalwart guarantee of equality has existed in the U.S.: that if you were born here, with rare and very specific exceptions, you were born a citizen with all the rights and obligations thereof. This isn’t how it happens in much of the world, and birthright citizenship is a legacy worth protecting.

Types of Citizenship Acquisition

Jus Sanguinis (Citizenship by Descent)

Most countries, including China, India, Italy, Japan, and Singapore, follow jus sanguinis, where citizenship is inherited from one’s parents regardless of birthplace. Birth on national soil alone does not grant citizenship.

Conditional Jus Soli (Citizenship by Birth Under Certain Conditions)

Some nations combine principles of jus sanguinis and jus soli, granting citizenship at birth if specific criteria are met—such as parental citizenship, residency, or legal status. Examples include Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Unconditional Jus Soli (Birthright Citizenship)

Unconditional jus soli—automatic citizenship by birth on national soil—exists mainly in the Americas, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and most Latin American and Caribbean nations. Few others, like Lesotho, Fiji, and Pakistan (with restrictions), follow this model. The prevalence of birthright citizenship in the Americas reflects historical efforts to promote immigration and nation-building.