Birthright citizenship in the United States, also known as Jus Soli (right of the soil), means that any baby born on U.S. territory automatically acquires U.S. citizenship, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents. This right is protected by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Legal Basis

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1868)

Section 1:

"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."

The purpose of this amendment was to ensure that formerly enslaved people gained citizenship after the U.S. Civil War, while also establishing the principle of Jus Soli (citizenship by birth)

Where Does Birthright Citizenship Apply?

✅ All 50 U.S. states (e.g., California, New York, Texas, etc.)
✅ Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)
✅ U.S. Overseas Territories:

• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Northern Mariana Islands

What Happens After Automatic Citizenship?

🔹 Full Rights as a U.S. Citizen

• Right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, receive Social Security benefits, and access government services.

🔹 Ability to Sponsor Parents for a Green Card

• When a U.S. citizen turns 21, they can petition for their foreign-born parents to obtain a Green Card.

🔹 No Additional Procedures Needed

• Babies born in the U.S. automatically receive citizenship without any extra naturalization process.

Summary

✔ Any baby born in the U.S. (except children of diplomats) automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.
✔ This right is protected under the 14th Amendment, though it remains a topic of political debate.
✔ U.S. citizenship grants the child future rights to live, work, vote, access social benefits, and sponsor parents for immigration.

Argentina follows the principle of "Jus Soli" (right of the soil), meaning that anyone born on Argentine territory automatically acquires Argentine citizenship, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents.

Legal Basis

Article 75, Clause 12 of the Argentine Constitution

The Argentine Constitution clearly states:

"All persons born in Argentine territory are Argentine citizens."

This means that children born in Argentina automatically become Argentine citizens, even if their parents are:
✅ Foreigners
✅ Tourists
✅ Undocumented immigrants

Who Is Eligible for Birthright Citizenship in Argentina?

✅ Any child born within Argentina’s borders
✅ Any child born in Argentine airspace or territorial waters

Who Is NOT Eligible?

🚫 Children of foreign diplomats stationed in Argentina (as they are under diplomatic immunity).

Benefits of Argentine Birthright Citizenship

Argentina’s birthright citizenship comes with several advantages, making it a popular destination for birth tourism.

1. Visa-Free Travel

• An Argentine passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 170+ countries, including the European Union, the UK, and Japan.

2. Free Movement in South America

• Argentine citizens can live, work, and study in MERCOSUR countries (Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, etc.) without a visa.

3. Parents Can Obtain Argentine Residency

• Parents of an Argentine-born child can apply for permanent residency (DNI) immediately.
• After two years, they can apply for Argentine citizenship.

4. Dual Citizenship Allowed

• Argentina allows dual citizenship, meaning the child does not need to give up their original nationality (depending on the laws of their parents' country).

5. Free Healthcare and Education

• The child (and later the parents) can access Argentina’s free healthcare and public education system.

Several Caribbean nations follow the Jus Soli (birthright citizenship) principle, meaning that any child born within their territory automatically acquires citizenship, regardless of their parents’ nationality or immigration status. Below is a list of Caribbean countries that offer birthright citizenship:

1. Antigua and Barbuda

• Policy: Any child born in Antigua and Barbuda is automatically granted citizenship.

2. Barbados

• Policy: Any child born in Barbados is eligible for automatic citizenship, regardless of the parents’ nationality.

3. Grenada

• Policy: Grenada grants automatic citizenship to all children born within its territory.

4. Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Policy: Saint Kitts and Nevis offers automatic citizenship to all children born on its land.

5. Saint Lucia

• Policy: Any child born in Saint Lucia is granted automatic citizenship.