Citizens by Birth

In the United States, the simple act of being born on its soil grants citizenship-a principle known as jus soli, enshrined in the 14th Amendment of 1868. This constitutional promise, born from the ashes of the Civil War to secure equal citizenship for all, has been a cornerstone of American identity, ensuring that every child born on U.S. soil, regardless of race, ethnicity, or parental status, is an American. Yet, from its inception, birthright citizenship has been a battleground, contested by laws, policies, and ideologies seeking to redefine who belongs. Born American: The Fight Over U.S. Birthright Citizenship by Alex Reed traces this epic struggle, from the emancipation of enslaved people to the modern controversies over "anchor babies" and executive actions, revealing how a single constitutional clause has shaped the nation's past and present. This book includes the full texts of these amendments, laws, and the 2025 executive order in its appendices. From the 14th Amendment's promise of equal protection to the Voting Rights Act's ban on discriminatory practices, these texts-spanning the 13th Amendment to the 1996 IIRIRA-offer a direct window into the legal battles that have defined American citizenship. The inclusion of Executive Order 14160, currently under judicial scrutiny, underscores the ongoing fight over jus soli's future.