Jus Soli

Jus Soli is a legal principle that grants nationality or citizenship to individuals born on the territory of a state, regardless of their parents' nationality. This principle is fundamental to the concept that people acquire citizenship simply by virtue of their birth location.

The term 'Jus Soli' has roots in Roman law, where it was recognized that birthright citizenship was granted based on geographical location. It became a foundational doctrine in many common law countries, especially during the formation of the United States.

In modern law, Jus Soli is primarily recognized in countries like the United States and Canada, where individuals born on the soil are automatically granted citizenship. However, many nations have adopted different models, such as Jus Sanguinis, emphasizing descent rather than birthplace.

• A child born in the United States to foreign parents automatically receives U.S. citizenship.
• A baby born on Canadian soil gains Canadian citizenship regardless of the parents’ immigration status.

• United States v. Wong Kim Ark