Legal experts are debating the interpretation of the 14th Amendment inside and outside of courtrooms this week.
The amendment has often been interpreted to mean anyone born in the United States is automatically a U.S. citizen, and yet its interpretation may not be that simple, according to Kurt Lash, professor at the University of Richmond School of Law.
“Often called the birthright citizenship clause, this text actually requires more than birth to become a national citizen,” Lash said during a debate on the subject sponsored by the Federalist Society on Tuesday.
“One must also be born subject to the jurisdiction of the United States,” Lash, who is also a contributor to the Federalist Society, continued. “The meaning of that second requirement remains a subject of significant debate, in particular whether it applies to persons born to noncitizen…
