Fordham Law Professor Thomas H. Lee’s 2017 article, “Natural Born Citizen,” was referenced in this Indian Express article, in regards to what the Constitution framers likely meant by the concept of “natural born citizens” in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
Origin of birthright citizenship in the US
In 1776, when the US gained independence, citizenship was largely governed by the laws of individual states. However, there was a common understanding that citizenship could be extended to all born within US territory. The original US Constitution (ratified in 1788) recognised the concept of “natural born citizens” in Article 2. Although this term was not defined, the Constitution framers likely meant it to include both “jus soli — for persons born within the country — and jus sanguinis — for persons born outside the country to American fathers,” according to Thomas H Lee, professor at Fordham Law School (US) (‘Natural Born Citizen’, 2017).
Read “Explained: The birthright citizenship debate in the US” in The Indian Express.
