<P> Birthright citizenship in the United States is United States citizenship acquired by virtue of the circumstances of birth . It contrasts with citizenship acquired in other ways, for example by naturalization later in life . Birthright citizenship may be conferred by jus soli or jus sanguinis . Under United States law, U.S. citizenship is automatically granted to any person born within and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States . This includes the territories of Puerto Rico, the Marianas (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and also applies to children born elsewhere in the world to U.S. citizens (with certain exceptions). </P> <P> The aspect of birthright citizenship conferred by jus soli (Latin: right of the soil) is regarded as controversial by some U.S. political figures, particularly those associated with right - wing populism, due to its application to the native - born offspring of illegal immigrants . The policy stems from the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution . The 1868 text states, "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 ." </P>

Are you an american citizen if you are born here