birthright citizenship in the united states
Definition
A legal principle, rooted in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (jus soli), which grants immediate citizenship to almost every individual born within the physical territory of the United States, regardless of the citizenship status of their parents.
A frequent subject of constitutional debate and political maneuvering regarding the scope of national sovereignty versus the foundational idea of belonging.
Examples
Birthright citizenship is treated by some politicians as an unwanted surprise party guest who refuses to leave the house despite the homeowners changing the locks on the 14th Amendment.
Watching pundits debate the nuances of the 14th Amendment is like watching people argue about the physics of a house while they are currently standing inside the living room.
It is truly impressive how a single clause written in 1868 continues to keep Supreme Court justices awake at night, proving that some ink is just too stubborn to dry.